What is Project 2025? Inside the wishlist Trump disavows.

May Be Interested In:Menendez supporters say brothers should go free — but prosecutors who tried them believe they got what they deserved


For months, Democrats have been mentioning a certain Republican presidential transition plan at every opportunity. GOP leaders have consistently tried to change the subject. 

Published by the conservative Heritage Foundation, the document in question – Project 2025 – sets out plans to prepare for “the next Conservative Administration.” In an election year that’s focused more on personality than policy, the blueprint has become a magnet for critics who see it as symbolizing the dangers of a Republican administration. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump says he “knows nothing” about the project. 

Why We Wrote This

Project 2025, a policy planning effort by a conservative think tank, has captured much attention on the presidential campaign trail and in the media. We help decode what’s in it.

The sweeping policy roadmap is intended to guide the next Republican administration. It was developed in 2022 by Heritage staff as well as nearly 300 contributors.

Some of the items are familiar conservative goals, like civil service reform and countering China. Others reflect changes in the party agenda brought by Mr. Trump. And much of the document echoes Mr. Trump’s rhetoric on topics like border security and LGBTQ+ rights.

Dense policy papers don’t usually become news items, and Project 2025 is just the latest version of the think tank’s “Mandate for Leadership” report, which they’ve updated and released nearly every four years for decades. Nonetheless, 57% of Americans view Project 2025 negatively, including 85% of Democrats and 33% of Republicans, according to a September poll by NBC News.  

For months, Democrats have been mentioning a certain Republican presidential transition plan at every opportunity. GOP leaders have consistently tried to change the subject.

Published by the Heritage Foundation, the document in question – Project 2025 – sets out plans to prepare for “the next Conservative Administration.” In an election year that’s focused more on personality than policy, the blueprint has become a magnet for critics who see it as symbolizing the dangers of a Republican administration. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump says he “knows nothing” about the project.

Dense policy papers don’t usually become news items, and Project 2025 is just the latest version of the conservative think tank’s “Mandate for Leadership” report, which they’ve updated and released nearly every four years for decades. Nonetheless, 57% of Americans now view Project 2025 negatively, including 85% of Democrats and 33% of Republicans, according to a September poll by NBC News.

Why We Wrote This

Project 2025, a policy planning effort by a conservative think tank, has captured much attention on the presidential campaign trail and in the media. We help decode what’s in it.

What is Project 2025?

The sweeping policy roadmap is intended to guide the next Republican administration. It was developed in 2022 by Heritage staff, as well as nearly 300 contributors, and has four parts:

  • The 922-page “Mandate for Leadership 2025: The Conservative Promise,” a compilation of essays outlining a conservative policy agenda
  • A personnel database that’s been gathered to share with a conservative president-elect
  • Videos training conservatives on how to serve in a presidential administration
  • Transition plans for the first 180 days for each federal agency

Some of the items are longstanding conservative goals, like simplifying the tax code and countering China. Others reflect changes in the party agenda brought by Mr. Trump. And much of the document echoes Mr. Trump’s rhetoric on topics like border security and LGBTQ+ rights.

Mr. Trump has publicly distanced himself from the project, saying he has no interest in even reading it. But its authors include many former officials from his administration. The original director of the project, Paul Dans, served as the chief of staff for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management under Mr. Trump. Another author, Russel Vought, ran the Office of Management and Budget – and was policy director co-chair of this year’s GOP platform committee.

During Mr. Trump’s first year in office, his administration implemented 64% of the policy recommendations from the 2016 Heritage “Mandate for Leadership” report, according to the think tank’s own tally. If elected again, Mr. Trump could seek to implement any of the policies laid out in Project 2025, though some of its more aggressive agenda items would almost certainly be challenged in court. 

share Share facebook pinterest whatsapp x print

Similar Content

Milton erupts into Category 1 hurricane as Southeast reels from Helene aftermath
Milton erupts into Category 1 hurricane as Southeast reels from Helene aftermath
Ron DeSantis, using the levers of state government, ramps up efforts to defeat Florida abortion-rights ballot measure
Ron DeSantis, using the levers of state government, ramps up efforts to defeat Florida abortion-rights ballot measure
Dodgers vs. Yankees World Series had the best ratings in seven years
Dodgers vs. Yankees World Series had the best ratings in seven years
Residents waiting to see what the Milton damage is after storm
Residents waiting to see what the Milton damage is after storm
There’s no such thing as a waterproof sunscreen. Here’s what SPF to wear while skiing
There’s no such thing as a waterproof sunscreen. Here’s what SPF to wear while skiing
Harris meets with leaders from Muslim and Arab American communities
Harris meets with leaders from Muslim and Arab American communities

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsflash: Events That Shape the Future | © 2024 | Daily News