Introduction
As President Donald Trump begins his second term, a sweeping conservative policy manifesto—Project 2025—has moved from theory to reality, driving rapid-fire executive actions that are redrawing the boundaries of federal power.
Drafted by over 100 right-wing groups and Trump alumni, this 920-page plan is now the engine behind one of the most consequential government overhauls in modern history.
What Is Project 2025?
Led by the Heritage Foundation, Project 2025 is a $22 million initiative to dismantle the “administrative state” and centralize executive authority. Key proposals include:
- Abolishing federal agencies: The Department of Education, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) are targeted for elimination.
- Overhauling taxes: A two-tier 15%/30% flat tax system replacing progressive rates, benefiting top earners while raising taxes on 50 million households.
- Restricting civil rights: Rolling back LGBTQ+ protections, banning abortion pills via the Comstock Act, and criminalizing pornography.
- Immigration crackdowns: Mass deportations and military deployment for domestic enforcement.
Trump’s Contradictory Stance
Though Trump initially dismissed Project 2025 as “ridiculous,” his administration has enacted 65% of its proposals since January 2025.
Early actions include:
- Replacing 50,000 civil servants with political appointees.
- Slashing corporate taxes to 18% and capital gains taxes for the wealthy.
- Reviving Title 42 to expedite border expulsions.
A Trump campaign spokesperson insists he “had nothing to do with Project 2025,” yet Heritage alumni now dominate his cabinet.
Architects and Stakeholders
The plan was crafted by Trump-era officials and conservative heavyweights:
- Paul Dans (Project Director): Former Trump OPM chief of staff.
- Russell Vought (Heritage Advisor): Trump’s ex-OMB director, now shaping budget policy.
- John McEntee: Trump’s personnel chief, orchestrating a “Schedule F” purge of nonpartisan civil servants.
Over 110 organizations contributed, including Alliance Defending Freedom (anti-LGBTQ+) and climate-skeptic groups like the Heartland Institute4. Corporate lobbyists from Amazon, Meta, and fossil fuel firms also influenced deregulatory measures.
Timeline and Implementation
- April 2023: Project 2025 blueprint published.
- November 2024: Trump disavows the plan post-election but adopts its staffing strategy.
- January 2025: Executive orders mirroring Project 2025’s economic and immigration agendas take effect.
- 2025–2026: Planned dissolution of the Department of Education and Medicaid cuts.
Winners and Losers
Beneficiaries:
- Corporations: Fossil fuel giants (via relaxed emissions rules), private Medicare Advantage insurers, and school voucher proponents.
- Anti-abortion groups: Federal bans on emergency contraception and abortion pills.
Adversely Impacted:
- Low-income families: Medicaid work requirements and SNAP cuts.
- Immigrants: Over 11 million face deportation; H-1B visas could require “ideological alignment”.
- Civil servants: 50,000+ nonpartisan roles targeted for replacement by Trump loyalists.
Voices in favour !
Voices in Opposition !
The Endgame
Project 2025’s ultimate goal is to entrench conservative governance by:
- Eviscerating checks on presidential power.
- Defunding progressive programs (climate research, DEI initiatives).
- Reshaping demographics through strict immigration policies and pro-natalist tax incentives.
Conclusion
As Project 2025’s policies take root, its legacy hinges on whether courts and a divided public accept its vision of an unfettered executive branch—or push back against what critics decry as a threat to democracy itself.
