US (Washington Insider Magazine) —Project 2025, a 900-page policy agenda from the Heritage Foundation, has stirred intense debate as it lays out a conservative vision for the next Republican president. Despite distancing himself from the document, former President Donald Trump remains a key focus in discussions surrounding its proposals.
Vice President Kamala Harris called the plan a “dangerous blueprint” during the ABC News presidential debate, highlighting its potential impact if Trump returns to office. Although Trump disavowed any connection to Project 2025, the think tank’s proposals were crafted by former Trump administration officials, giving Democrats ample ammunition for criticism.
The Creation of Project 2025
The Heritage Foundation, a leading conservative think tank, has a history of shaping Republican administrations, including a significant influence during Trump’s presidency. Released in April 2023, Project 2025 has become a focal point in the 2024 election, with Democrats forming a “Stop Project 2025 Task Force” to counter its influence. The document outlines four main policy goals: restoring family values, dismantling the administrative state, defending national sovereignty, and securing individual rights.
Key Policy Proposals
One of the most controversial aspects of Project 2025 is its proposal to expand presidential authority, placing federal agencies, including independent ones like the Department of Justice, under direct control of the president. The plan also calls for eliminating job protections for government employees and replacing them with political appointees. Additionally, it seeks to overhaul or eliminate agencies such as the FBI and the Department of Education.
In terms of social policy, Project 2025 touches on abortion nearly 200 times but stops short of advocating for a national abortion ban. It does, however, call for banning the abortion pill mifepristone and increasing data collection related to abortion, sparking further debate.
Political Backlash and Trump’s Response
Despite Trump’s public disavowal of Project 2025, the plan continues to shape the political discourse. Harris and other Democrats have used the document to criticize the Trump campaign, arguing that it reflects an ultra-conservative social vision. Meanwhile, the Heritage Foundation has stood by the document, emphasizing its influence on the Republican platform.
As the 2024 election approaches, Project 2025 remains a key talking point, with both parties leveraging its proposals in their campaigns.
