Former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris present two different visions for America. While issues like the economy, national security and healthcare are rightfully at the forefront, one less obvious but deeply telling issue stands out: dishwashers. Yes, dishwashers — and the policies surrounding them — demonstrate a stark contrast in leadership between Trump and Harris.

I proposed to the Trump administration to allow faster, more effective dishwashers that could use more water and energy to make our lives easier. For too long, Americans had been saddled with machines that took two and a half hours to complete a single cycle, leaving many of us frustrated as we waited for clean dishes. This wasn’t because of technology but due to burdensome federal regulations that placed environmental restrictions above consumer satisfaction.

Trump’s administration adopted the changes I proposed, allowing for dishwashers that could do the job in under an hour. Trump recognized this unnecessary limitation and, in response to widespread demand, pushed for dishwashers that could operate in one hour — meeting the needs of modern families who don’t have the time to wait hours for clean dishes. These new rules represented not just a technical fix but a broader commitment to cutting through excessive regulations that hamper everyday lives.

On the other hand, Harris and the Biden administration have consistently worked to undo this common-sense reform. They sought to roll back the dishwasher changes, pushing instead to continue the lengthy cycle times that people despise. In fact, their efforts to block faster dishwashers were struck down by federal courts, which ruled that the administration acted “arbitrarily and capriciously” in trying to repeal the new dishwasher rules. 

The Biden-Harris team failed to consider how longer dishwasher cycles could lead to higher water and energy use as people revert to hand-washing, which consumes even more resources. Yet, they still drag their feet in moving forward with the new dishwasher rules.

This dishwasher issue highlights a broader difference in philosophy. Trump values consumer freedom and efficiency. His administration took steps to ensure Americans could enjoy the convenience of faster dishwashers without the heavy hand of overregulation. His approach put practical solutions ahead of blind adherence to rigid environmental rules, demonstrating a focus on outcomes that benefit people.

Harris, in contrast, has supported an administration that prioritizes government control and regulatory overreach, even at the expense of everyday Americans. Her ideological pursuit of environmental goals often ignores the unintended consequences — like pushing households to waste more time, water and energy because of excessive regulation. This approach not only affects our day-to-day lives but reflects a governing style that prioritizes bureaucratic control over common-sense solutions.

Trump’s dishwasher policy is a clear example of how his administration worked to free Americans from unnecessary government constraints. It’s part of a larger effort to remove regulatory barriers across industries, allowing for more innovation and better products. Whether it’s energy, manufacturing, or household appliances, Trump has demonstrated time and again that he is committed to cutting through red tape, letting businesses innovate, and allowing consumers to make their own choices.

Harris, by contrast, represents a return to stifling bureaucracy. Her stance on dishwashers is not just about appliances — it’s about a broader willingness to ignore the needs of the American public in favor of top-down mandates. It shows a lack of trust in consumers and a desire to regulate every aspect of life, even when those regulations don’t make practical sense.

The dishwasher debate is more than a policy difference — it reveals a fundamental divide in how the two candidates view the role of government. Under Trump, Americans can count on a government that respects their choices, reduces unnecessary restrictions, and prioritizes efficiency and effectiveness. Under Harris, we can expect more of the same heavy-handed regulation that stifles innovation and makes life more difficult for American families.