Overview
Project 2025 is a comprehensive policy plan by conservative organizations, led by the Heritage Foundation, to reshape the federal government, targeting issues like taxes, immigration, climate policy, social welfare, and culture war topics. The plan is contentious, with claims and denials regarding its association with Trump, and ongoing political debate over its proposals and implications.
Origins and Authors of Project 2025
- Project 2025 is funded and led by the Heritage Foundation with support from over 100 conservative groups.
- The main policy document, "Mandate for Leadership," has 30 chapters and many contributors, including over 140 former Trump administration officials.
- Notable authors include Ben Carson, Christopher Miller, Russ Vought, Ken Cuccinelli, and Peter Navarro.
- It is part of a series that has historically influenced conservative administrations.
- The project is built on four "pillars": policy plan, personnel database, administration academy, and a transition playbook.
Key Proposals in Project 2025
Abortion and Reproductive Policy
- Advocates for robust federal and state actions to restrict abortion and enforce the Dobbs decision.
- Proposes ending federal funding for Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers.
- Recommends enforcing the Comstock Act to block abortion pill shipments and removing insurance coverage for Ella.
- No direct proposal to limit common contraception or ban IVF, but language may affect embryo rights.
Government Efficiency and Restructuring
- Calls for major spending cuts and privatization of some federal functions, including the National Weather Service and TSA.
- Proposes abolishing the Department of Education and many federal programs.
- Recommends limiting federal action on climate change and downsizing clean energy initiatives.
Tax Policy
- Suggests replacing seven income tax brackets with two (15% and 30%), eliminating most deductions and credits.
- Recommends lowering the corporate tax rate from 21% to 18% and reducing capital gains tax to a maximum of 15%.
- Details on deductions and effects on lower-income groups are unclear.
Immigration Policy
- Seeks to reinstate and expand Trump-era immigration rules, including "Remain in Mexico."
- Calls for tightening asylum, reducing refugee admissions, and overturning the Flores Settlement for minors.
- Proposes cutting visas for students from "enemy nations" and ending the diversity visa lottery.
Social Welfare Programs
- Recommends new work requirements and benefit limits for Medicaid, food assistance, and welfare programs.
- Proposes eliminating Head Start and tightening eligibility for national school meal programs.
- Supports incentivizing in-home childcare over universal daycare.
Education and Culture Issues
- Proposes abolishing teaching of critical race theory and gender ideology in public schools.
- Calls for removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion language from federal policies.
Political Responses
Trump’s Position
- Trump initially signaled support for the project’s goals but now denies any involvement or endorsement.
- Trump’s campaign formally disassociated from Project 2025 and criticized attempts to link him to it.
Democrats’ Claims
- Democrats, including Vice President Harris, have tied Project 2025 to Trump and warned it threatens Social Security, Medicare, abortion, and contraception access.
- Some claims exaggerate the plan’s contents, particularly regarding Social Security cuts and contraception bans.
Decisions
- Trump campaign formally distances itself from Project 2025 and disavows its association.
- Heritage Foundation ends policy drafting phase but continues personnel-building efforts.
Action Items
- TBD – Project 2025 coalition: Continue developing the personnel apparatus for policy implementation.
- TBD – Trump campaign: Maintain clear public stance separating from Project 2025 proposals.