The 2024 presidential election is over, with Donald Trump emerging as the clear winner and heading back to the White House next year. But what does a new Trump presidency mean for facilities management (FM) and related industries that impact FM, including the security, construction, and clean energy sectors? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, leaders from top trade groups have shared their initial reactions to the election results and made some predictions.
Security
Why it matters: Often considered a key part of FM, security is essential for protecting facilities, themselves, and the people inside them. Both physical and cyber threats abound at businesses, organizations, faith-based institutions, and schools, putting property, finances, and most importantly, lives at risk. The Security Industry Association (SIA) represents global providers of surveillance, access control, and many other security solutions.
Industry reaction: Jake Parker, senior director of government relations at SIA, provided Facilities Management Advisor with the following statement:
“A day after the Nov. 5 elections, Donald Trump is projected to win a second term as president of the United States, the U.S. Senate is projected to return to Republican control after three years under Democrat leadership, and the House is likely to remain in Republican hands with a slim majority once all votes are counted and the winners declared.
“As the new administration takes shape and the incoming 119th Congress selects its House and Senate leadership and committee chairs, what to expect in the coming weeks and months will become clearer. In the meantime, there are some implications for the security field that are known. For example, there’s no doubt that border security initiatives will once again become front and center, with growing demand for physical and technological solutions for ports of entry and situational awareness along the border.
“Addressing crime and increasing public safety were major themes of the Trump campaign, which has also been vocally supportive of law enforcement—this should give security professionals a reason to be optimistic. Potentially this could mean more resources and other forms of support needed to fulfill critical missions. For security firms, the tax policy changes and extensions that must be enacted in 2025 will skew towards Republican policy proposals. This means the corporate tax rate will remain at 21% or lower, versus increase, the research and development tax credit could be revived and extended, and bonus depreciation that allows businesses to write off 100% the cost of security improvements to their facilities could be reinstated—all policies important to security manufacturers and integrators large and small.
“There are some initiatives that may garner greater attention based on statements from the campaign. We believe this should include more federal assistance specifically for school security improvements, which has remained at relatively low levels for the past three years compared to other security grant programs.
“One of the challenges will be accomplishing these goals while addressing growing concerns about budget deficits among those coming to power, which could potentially result in significant cuts to programs and agency activities with security functions. It will be pivotal to make the case for benefits and appropriateness of these programs during budget considerations.”
Construction
Why it matters: Facilities managers are often in charge of new construction projects or renovations at their facilities. The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), a national construction industry group, previously endorsed Trump for president and called the Biden-Harris administration’s policies “anti-competitive, inflationary, and divisive.” Notably, the group issues its own reports on construction spending and material costs, workforce stats, and other issues that may impact facility projects.
Industry reaction: Michael Bellaman, ABC president and CEO, issued the following public statement:
“This is an exciting day for our industry. ABC is optimistic about the future of America’s construction industry and the opportunities to advance policies that protect free enterprise, reduce regulatory burdens, and expand workforce development. With leaders and lawmakers committed to promoting economic growth and supporting the principles of fair and open competition, we are confident that the construction industry will thrive and all workers will be given the opportunity to build America with fewer obstacles.
“ABC looks forward to working with the Trump administration and Congress to advance policies that solve the issues that the construction industry faces, including the skilled labor shortage of more than half a million, widespread regulatory burdens, and inflation and tax challenges. We also welcome the opportunity to work with a president who is willing to welcome all of the U.S. construction industry to rebuild America.”
Clean Energy
Why it matters: As companies and other organizations embrace sustainability, facilities managers have been tasked with helping meet ESG goals and making their facilities greener. Installing or buying renewable energy can play a major role in achieving those targets and help save on energy costs. That’s why many schools across the country and big-name corporations like Wendy’s have made the switch to solar. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), a national trade group for the solar power and energy storage industry, is working to ensure a clean energy future for all.
Industry reaction: Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of SEIA, issued the following public statement:
“America’s solar and storage industry is unleashing abundant, homegrown energy that is creating jobs and delivering affordable, reliable power to every home and business in this country. I want to congratulate President-elect Trump on his election victory and look forward to working closely with his incoming administration to ensure the solar and storage industry, as well as the domestic manufacturing renaissance we’ve seen over the last few years, continue to thrive and play a vital role in America’s energy economy.
“Domestic solar manufacturing has grown four-fold under pro-business federal clean energy policies, and soon, we will have enough American-made solar panels to meet our demand for solar deployment. Nearly 9 in 10 Americans support these policies, which are uplifting communities in states like Ohio, Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina with thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of investments.
“SEIA looks forward to working with the new administration and members of Congress to build on the progress of the last four years. Together we can secure a future of clean energy abundance and prosperity.”
Conclusion
Industry groups remain dedicated to helping their members thrive under a new Trump administration. And although any election outcome has its uncertainties, one thing’s for sure: No matter who’s in the White House, facilities managers will always work hard to succeed and provide a safe, secure, and productive environment for their organizations and building occupants.