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Recently, the White House has been exploring a variety of suggestions aimed at encouraging Americans to marry and increase their birth rates. This reflects an early indication that the Trump administration may adopt a fresh cultural agenda, supported by many conservative allies, to address falling birthrates and promote traditional family values.
One idea discussed involves reserving 30% of scholarship spots for the esteemed Fulbright program for those who are married or parents.
Another suggestion is to provide a $5,000 cash incentive, referred to as a “baby bonus,” to every American mother upon giving birth.
Additionally, a proposal calls for government-funded programs designed to educate women about their menstrual cycles, helping them understand their ovulation periods better for conception purposes.
These suggestions are emerging from a growing movement worried about declining birth rates, now finding support within the U.S. administration, including figures like Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk. Policy advocates have been meeting with White House staff, sharing written proposals to encourage women to have more children, according to four sources familiar with the discussions who requested anonymity.
While officials have not confirmed which ideas they may adopt, advocates remain hopeful that fertility issues will be a significant focus, recalling President Trump’s call for a “baby boom” and highlighting the presence of Mr. Vance and other high-ranking officials at public events with their children.
“This administration has a naturally pro-children stance,” noted activist Simone Collins, referring to the initiative to counter declining birth rates.
Ms. Collins and her husband, Malcolm, submitted several draft executive orders to the White House, including one proposing a “National Medal of Motherhood” for mothers of six or more children.
“Look at how many kids key administration leaders have,” Ms. Collins observed, adding, “You didn’t see as much emphasis on children under Biden.”
The private discussions about family policy suggest that Mr. Trump is quietly crafting a robust agenda focused on supporting families, even as he prioritizes various high-profile issues like federal budget cuts and immigration. The policy outline known as Project 2025 begins by emphasizing the importance of family as central to American life.
This movement largely advocates a more traditional family definition, emphasizing marriage between a man and a woman, while excluding non-traditional family structures. Shifting focus from cost-cutting measures seen during Mr. Trump’s second term, this family-oriented agenda may involve increased spending on new priorities.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Mr. Trump “is dedicated to uplifting American families.”
“The President envisions America as a place where all children can thrive and achieve the American dream,” she remarked. “As a mother, I’m proud to work for a President committed to improving our country for future generations.”
Mr. Trump, Mr. Vance, and Mr. Musk have actively highlighted family policy and pro-baby sentiments, both before and after Mr. Trump took office. During a speech at the March for Life anti-abortion rally in January, Mr. Vance expressed a desire for “more babies in America” and more “wonderful young people” to nurture them.
Last month, Mr. Trump declared his intention to become “the fertilization president.”
The coalition advocating for increased birth rates is diverse but united in their concerns regarding the U.S. declining birth rate, which has been consistently low since 2007. They warn that a shrinking workforce will struggle to support an aging population, jeopardizing the social safety net. If the birth rate is not improved, they fear potential economic collapse and challenges to human civilization itself.
However, the members of this movement often hold varying motivations for encouraging larger families and may differ on strategies. Many Christian conservatives view the decreasing birth and marriage rates as a cultural crisis influenced by media and political forces that undermine traditional families, encouraging women to prioritize careers over motherhood. They advocate for committed marriages and larger families. In contrast, some who identify as “pro-natalists” are keen to investigate multiple approaches, including reproductive technologies, to achieve their aim of higher birth rates.
“Pronatalism is focused specifically on encouraging baby births,” explained Emma Waters, a policy analyst at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank behind Project 2025. Waters, who acknowledges her concern about the declining birth rate yet does not label herself as a pro-natalist, added: “Our ultimate aim is not solely more babies but the formation of more families.”
Some leaders in the administration have already initiated policies supporting larger families. For instance, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy—a father of nine and hailing from a large family himself—issued a memo early this year committing to prioritize transportation funding in regions with higher marriage and birth rates. Analysts within the department suggest this could mean less funding for urban transport and more for highways and car services in rural areas.
A forthcoming significant development on these topics is expected to come straight from the White House. Trump aides are preparing a much-anticipated report, scheduled for release no later than mid-May, that will recommend strategies to make in vitro fertilization more accessible and affordable. The White House committed to this initiative in a February executive order, reaffirming the president’s pledge to make IVF less costly—a promise Mr. Trump made during his campaign.
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