In the world of U.S. politics, few topics have sparked as much debate as Project 2025. This bold plan, put together by the Heritage Foundation and other conservative groups, outlines big changes for the federal government if a Republican wins the White House. With Donald Trump back in office as of early 2025, many wonder: Does he really back this idea? During his 2024 campaign, Trump said he knew little about it and called some parts "abysmal." But actions speak louder than words. Recent news shows a different story, with his early moves lining up closely with the project's goals.
What Is Project 2025?
Think of Project 2025 as a detailed roadmap for a conservative overhaul of America. Released in 2023, it's a 900-page book called "Mandate for Leadership" that covers everything from shrinking government agencies to tough rules on immigration and social issues. The plan pushes for a stronger president who can fire civil servants more easily, cut programs like the Department of Education, and roll back what it calls "woke" policies on things like diversity training and LGBTQ+ rights. Over 100 conservative organizations helped shape it, and many writers are former Trump team members, like Stephen Miller and Russ Vought.
The goal? To make the government smaller, more focused on traditional values, and quicker to act on conservative priorities. Critics say it could weaken checks and balances, giving too much power to one person. Supporters argue it's a smart fix for a bloated bureaucracy.
Trump's Words vs. His Early Actions
Back on the campaign trail, Trump tried to put distance between himself and Project 2025. He posted on social media that he had "nothing to do with" it and disagreed with parts like expanding presidential power over independent agencies. His team even scrubbed mentions of it from their website. But fast-forward to 2025: Trump's first 100 days tell a different tale.
Right after taking office, he signed executive orders that match Project 2025's playbook. For example, he banned certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in federal agencies and schools—ideas straight from the plan. He also pulled the U.S. out of the World Health Organization again and froze hiring for top government jobs to stop "burrowing" by holdovers from the Biden era. These steps aim to reshape the workforce, just as the project suggests.
Even more telling are Trump's picks for key jobs. He named Pam Bondi, a big Project 2025 fan, as Attorney General. Russ Vought, who co-wrote parts of the plan, now runs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), where he's pushing budget cuts and policy shifts that echo the blueprint. Brendan Carr, another contributor, heads the FCC and has started probes into public media like NPR—another Project 2025 target.
As of October 2, 2025, Trump met with Vought to talk about budget cuts amid a government shutdown fight. In a Truth Social post, he called Vought "of Project 2025 fame," owning the link with a wink. Watchdogs like the Center for Progressive Reform are tracking over 20 agencies where Trump's orders follow the plan's script.
Why the Mixed Messages?
So why did Trump downplay it during the election? Some say it was smart politics—polls showed many voters, including some Republicans, disliked the plan's extreme edges, like limits on abortion access or climate rules. Democrats hammered it as a "threat to democracy," even starting a task force to fight it. By distancing himself, Trump avoided scaring off moderates.
But insiders knew the ties ran deep. Trump's "Agenda 47" shared goals with Project 2025, like mass deportations and tax cuts for the rich. Campaign staff kept in touch with Heritage folks, seeing it as a helpful guide. Now, with full control, those connections are paying off. PBS reports that dozens of policies from the first 100 days came right out of the book.
What Does This Mean Going Forward?
Trump's embrace of Project 2025 isn't just talk—it's reshaping America. Supporters cheer the push for efficiency and conservative wins, like school choice and tougher borders. But opponents fear it could hurt everyday folks, from cutting health aid to rolling back environmental protections.
The real test comes as Congress weighs in. Big changes, like killing the Education Department, need lawmakers' okay. With Republicans in charge, more could pass. For now, the evidence is clear: Despite his earlier denials, Trump's moves show strong support for Project 2025's vision.
0 Comments