The Trump administration has implemented several policies aligning with Project 2025, a blueprint led by the Heritage Foundation. This has occurred despite former President Trump's earlier statements indicating minimal involvement with the plan. Project 2025 details proposed governmental restructuring and policy shifts.
Policy Implementation
Key policies implemented by the administration that align with Project 2025 include:
- Increased enforcement of immigration laws.
- Steps towards dismantling the Department of Education.
- An executive order declaring two genders, male and female.
- Termination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies.
- Initiation of an overhaul of the federal workforce.
Russell Vought, a significant contributor to Project 2025, was appointed to lead the Office of Management and Budget following the election, with other contributors also joining the administration.
Public and Political Response
Concerns regarding Project 2025 emerged in early 2024 and gained wider public attention following remarks by actress Taraji P. Henson. During the presidential campaign, then-candidate Trump had dismissed the ideas within Project 2025 as "ridiculous" and distanced himself from its creators, also criticizing some organizers.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that the administration's adopted policies largely originate from Project 2025. Bonta, along with 23 Democratic attorneys general, studied the blueprint to prepare legal responses against potential administrative actions. Bonta indicated that these groups have filed or joined lawsuits, successfully blocking some of the administration's policies, such as requirements for states to participate in immigration crackdowns, freezes on domestic federal funding, and layoffs at agencies like the U.S. Department of Education.
A White House spokeswoman, Abigail Jackson, stated that President Trump is implementing the agenda he campaigned on, focusing on areas such as lowering gas prices, accelerating economic growth, and securing the border.
Historical Context
Presidential historian Tevi Troy noted that Trump's initial rejection of Project 2025 during the campaign may have intensified the controversy surrounding it. Troy characterized Project 2025 as standard conservative policy proposals, similar to those compiled by other think tanks for previous administrations.
Following initial disavowals, Trump later acknowledged and embraced Project 2025 during a government shutdown debate, referencing meetings with Russell Vought.