Former President Donald Trump has unveiled ambitious plans to tackle America's housing crisis, but experts express skepticism regarding their feasibility.
Freedom Cities with Flying Cars
Central to his proposal are “Freedom Cities,” which would be constructed on government-owned land. These futuristic urban centers aim to incorporate vertical mobility, featuring flying cars, and promise to infuse money into rural America.
However, experts warn that the concept of flying cars remains largely theoretical, with significant hurdles to overcome, according to El Economista.
Many of the suggested sites for these cities are in remote areas of the western United States, presenting logistical challenges like water supply in arid regions, particularly Nevada, where the project could exacerbate existing scarcity issues.
Mixes Soviet-Style Planning and Sci-Fi
The economic implications of such an endeavor are staggering. The construction of a single mega-city could cost upwards of $58 billion, and multiplying that figure by ten would lead to astronomical expenditures for a nation already grappling with a soaring national deficit.
Critics argue that the proposal resembles a blend of Soviet-style planning and science fiction fantasies, diverting attention from immediate solutions.
In the short term, Trump's strategy includes the controversial plan to deport up to 20 million immigrants, both undocumented and those with legal status, such as Venezuelans and Haitians.
Proponents, including Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance, believe this would create a surplus of vacant homes, which could be repurposed to address housing shortages.
However, historical precedents suggest that such mass deportations could trigger a housing crisis, as past efforts have led to increased foreclosures.
The economic fallout from displacing millions of immigrants—who contribute to the workforce and tax base—could precipitate a new recession.