Project 2025 is a 900-page policy document outlining proposals to expand presidential authority and push forward an ultra-conservative social vision.
Created by the influential Heritage Foundation, the document suggests drastic changes to the US government, including reshaping federal agencies, redefining family and social policies, and overhauling immigration, energy, and education systems.
While Trump initially distanced himself from the document during his campaign, he has since embraced several of its key proposals and appointed many of its authors to influential government positions.
What is Project 2025 and Where Did it Come From?
Project 2025 was developed by the Heritage Foundation, one of Washington’s leading conservative think tanks. The foundation has been producing policy guides for Republican administrations since Ronald Reagan’s presidency in 1981.
The document gained prominence in 2023 but didn’t receive widespread attention until the 2024 presidential campaign. Democratic politicians launched opposition campaigns, including a task force and tip line to track the Heritage Foundation’s activities. Despite Trump’s initial public disavowal, many of the project’s ideas have made their way into his administration’s agenda.
Key Figures Linked to Project 2025:
- Russell Vought: Project contributor, now nominated to lead the Office of Budget Management.
- John Ratcliffe: Trump’s pick to lead the CIA.
- Brendan Carr: Chosen to oversee the FCC.
- Tom Homan: Appointed as Trump’s “border czar.”
More than 100 conservative organizations contributed to Project 2025, and its influence is being felt across various sectors of Trump’s administration.
Core Themes and Proposals of Project 2025
1. Government Restructuring and Presidential Power
The document proposes adopting the “unitary executive theory,” which would give the president direct control over the entire federal bureaucracy, including independent agencies like the Department of Justice. This would streamline decision-making but raise concerns about excessive presidential power.
- Job Protections: Eliminate job protections for thousands of federal employees, making it easier to replace them with political appointees.
- Department Overhauls: Calls for drastic changes to the FBI and other agencies, and the complete elimination of the Department of Education.
- Spending Cuts: The administration has already moved to freeze federal spending, aligning with Project 2025’s cost-cutting recommendations.
2. Abortion and Family Policies
Project 2025 includes about 200 mentions of abortion-related issues, proposing a significant reduction in access to abortion and abortion-related services.
- Abortion Pill Regulation: Calls for withdrawing the abortion pill mifepristone from the market and restricting its distribution through the mail.
- Biblical Family Definition: Recommends that Health and Human Services adopt a “biblically based” definition of family and marriage.
- Federal Funding Restrictions: Trump has already issued executive orders to block federal funds from being used for abortion services.
3. Immigration Overhaul
The document suggests a restructuring of the US immigration system, emphasizing stricter border control and enforcement of immigration laws.
- Border Wall Expansion: Increased funding for the US-Mexico border wall.
- Mass Deportations: Although not explicitly mentioned in the document, Trump’s administration has prioritized this policy independently.
- Department Restructuring: Proposes dismantling the Department of Homeland Security and combining various immigration enforcement units into a larger and more powerful agency.
4. Energy and Climate Policy
Energy policy is a key area where Trump and Project 2025 are closely aligned, promoting fossil fuel production and scaling back environmental regulations.
- “Drill, Baby, Drill” Approach: Expands oil and natural gas production while cutting funding for renewable energy projects.
- Withdrawal from Climate Agreements: The US has already exited the Paris Agreement on climate change.
5. Education, DEI, and Technology
Project 2025 calls for dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, expanding school choice, and restricting gender and sexual education topics in schools.
- School Choice: Recommends using public funds to subsidize religious and private schools.
- Abolishing the Department of Education: Trump has signaled his support for eliminating the department.
- Tech Regulation: Although Project 2025 suggests banning adult content and regulating tech companies, Trump’s administration has so far focused on broader tech industry issues.
Challenges and Future of Project 2025 Implementation
Trump’s early executive orders and policy decisions align with many of the proposals in Project 2025, but significant challenges remain.
Political and Legal Opposition:
Democrats have vowed to oppose many of the project’s key ideas, particularly those related to abortion, government restructuring, and education. Legal challenges could also delay or block parts of the agenda.
Uncertain Policy Areas:
Some Project 2025 proposals, such as returning to a gold-backed currency or abolishing the Federal Reserve, have not gained traction in the administration. Similarly, specific proposals regarding tariffs and trade have taken precedence over broader economic reforms.
Personnel and Influence:
With many of Project 2025’s authors holding key positions, its influence on government decisions is expected to grow. The creation of a database of conservative loyalists to fill government roles further cements its long-term impact.
Project 2025 represents a comprehensive roadmap for reshaping the US government and enacting conservative policies across various sectors. While Trump initially distanced himself from the document, many of its ideas have found a home in his administration.
However, the project’s long-term success will depend on overcoming political resistance and navigating legal challenges. As Trump’s second term unfolds, the full impact of Project 2025 will become clearer.