If Donald Trump secures the presidency in the upcoming 2024 election, a detailed plan is already in place to guide his transition: Project 2025. This controversial conservative playbook is spearheaded by The Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank known for its influence in American politics. Interestingly, the initiative was crafted before Trump officially announced his candidacy for the Republican ticket, indicating that it is intended for whichever candidate would represent the party.
At the heart of Project 2025 is a document titled “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise,” which spans approximately 900 pages. This comprehensive plan lays out the objectives and strategies of Project 2025, offering a roadmap for staffing, policy initiatives, and a pointed critique of President Joe Biden’s administration. The overarching mission of this ambitious plan is to consolidate executive power, which would significantly expand the authority of the president. Among its recommendations are specific executive orders and a series of regulatory plans that would be poised for immediate implementation should Trump return to the White House.
Kevin D. Roberts, the president of The Heritage Foundation, articulated the intent behind Project 2025 in an interview with The New York Times Magazine in January. He emphasized that the initiative aims to expedite the hiring of personnel aligned with conservative values and to accelerate the implementation of conservative policies. Roberts remarked that the previous Trump administration “got a slow start,” and Project 2025 seeks to prevent a repeat of that scenario. He elaborated that the initiative would facilitate a quicker reversal of what the project’s proponents view as the misguided policies of the current administration.
However, Project 2025 has not been without its critics. Many voices on the left have raised alarms over the potential ramifications of its extreme proposals, which could undermine reproductive rights, civil liberties, and public education. The backlash has prompted some Republicans to distance themselves from the plan. Trump has repeatedly stated that he is not involved with Project 2025, despite the notable participation of several former cabinet members and key figures from his administration in its development. According to CNN, six individuals who served as cabinet secretaries under Trump were involved in drafting the “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise” document. Additionally, Trump’s inner circle members, including Mark Meadows and Stephen Miller, are affiliated with conservative groups that contributed to the project.
The authors of the plan include prominent figures such as Rick Dearborn, who served as Trump’s deputy chief of staff, and Russell T. Vought, the director of Trump’s Office of Management and Budget. Additionally, Ben Carson, a former opponent of Trump and the former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, played a role in crafting a chapter focused on housing policies. Other contributors include Bernard McNamee, who oversaw the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under Trump and provided guidance on reversing President Biden’s climate regulations, and Mandy Gunasekara, who was the chief of staff for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during Trump’s presidency, offering recommendations for dismantling the agency. William Perry Pendley, who held a position within the Interior Department, suggested measures to shrink national monument lands and limit the president’s ability to protect federal lands.
What is the Heritage Foundation?
The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, was established in 1973 with initial funding of $250,000 from Joseph Coors, the president of Coors Brewing Company. Over the years, it has grown rapidly, amassing an annual budget of around $10 million. The organization advocates for a smaller government, bolstering national defense, and restricting abortion access. The Heritage Foundation has played a significant role in shaping policies during the administrations of Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump and has pushed for strict immigration measures while also making judicial recommendations that contributed to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
What has Trump said about Project 2025?
Despite the clear involvement of many individuals associated with him, Trump has consistently denied any connection to Project 2025. During a presidential debate on September 10, he stated, “I have nothing to do with Project 2025. That’s out there. I haven’t read it. I don’t want to read it, purposely. I’m not going to read it. This was a group of people that got together; they came up with some ideas. I guess some good, some bad. But it makes no difference.”
In a July post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated his lack of knowledge about the initiative, claiming, “I know nothing about Project 2025. I have not seen it, have no idea who is in charge of it, and, unlike our very well-received Republican Platform, had nothing to do with it. The Radical Left Democrats are having a field day, however, trying to hook me into whatever policies are stated or said. It is pure disinformation on their part. By now, after all of these years, everyone knows where I stand on EVERYTHING!”
What have Democrats said about Project 2025?
Democratic leaders have not hesitated to address Project 2025 directly. Vice President Kamala Harris tackled the subject during the same presidential debate, declaring, “I’m going to tell you on this debate tonight, you’re going to hear from the same old tired playbook, a bunch of lies, grievances, and name-calling.” She elaborated, warning about the “detailed and dangerous plan” that Trump intends to implement if re-elected, particularly emphasizing the extreme restrictions on abortion outlined in the project.
President Biden has strongly criticized both Project 2025 and Trump’s possible ties to it. In a July statement, he asserted, “He’s trying to hide his connections to his allies’ extreme Project 2025 agenda. The only problem? It was written for him, by those closest to him. Project 2025 should scare every single American.” In a video released on July 11, Biden stated, “Project 2025 will destroy America. Look it up.”
In response to Trump’s attempts to downplay the significance of Project 2025, Governor Tim Walz, who is also the Democratic candidate for vice president, remarked, “If you’re going to take the time to draw up a playbook, you’re damn sure going to use it.”
In light of these developments, a Democratic Stop Project 2025 Task Force has been formed, dedicated to highlighting the connections between Trump, the Republican Party, and those involved in Project 2025. This task force aims to educate voters about the potential implications of the plan and to mobilize opposition against it as the election approaches.