“It is not enough for conservatives to win elections. If we are going to rescue the country from the grip of the radical Left, we need both a governing agenda and the right people in place, ready to carry this agenda out on Day One of the next conservative Administration.”

This is the first piece of text you will see if you come across the website for Project 2025, a expansive and detailed plan that lays out how conservatives plan to instill their ideals into the roots of America, transforming it entirely, if Donald Trump is elected as the next president. But what exactly does this project entail, and why are many leftists/liberals so scared of it? Let’s cover this and the other plans that will likely take place if Trump is victorious in the coming election.

To begin, we traverse to Project2025.org, the official website for the plan. Project 2025 was started by 3 members of The Heritage Foundation, Paul Dans (The Director), Spencer Chretien, and Troup Hemenway (Associate Directors). While Donald Trump claims to “know nothing” about Project 2025 or who is running it, several of his closest allies are amongst the key players in the production of this project.

The project outlines 5 sections of focus: Taking The Reins of Government, The Common Defense, The General Welfare, The Economy, and Independent Regulatory Agencies. Due in part to the length and detail Project 2025 entails, it is difficult for a reader to have a general understanding of it without taking much time to do so. To supplement this, many sections will have spots that state the important/notable ideas and policies on them.

Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, the bullet points are the words of the creators of Project 2025. A neutral tone was attempted to be maintained within the information written here. This project is not a comprehensive review of Project 2025, and important details may have been missed. It’s important to go and research  these topics independently if the user is interested in learning more. Information was taken from reputable news sources, the Project 2025 website, and blogs.

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The first section, Taking The Reins of Government is exactly as it sounds: creating a predominantly conservative government and implementing policies to keep conservatives in office. 

On the website for Project 2025, there is a section for personnel that states “Want to be considered for positions in a presidential Administration? Submit your resume today to be included in the personnel database.” The Project runners seek to ensure those who are appointed to Trump’s office if elected will wholeheartedly support their ideals.  It can be quite daunting to individuals new to Project 2025, to hear that “a party seeks to take over a government,” since that’s often affiliated with systems of government such as dictatorships.

Furthermore, this section specifically outlines the roles and tasks of each major member of the White House, the President, and Federal Agencies (groups like the Federal Labor Relations Authority). This demonstrates a straight-forward path of government as planned by Project 2025, meaning the creators have a strong idea of exactly what they want to do when and if Donald Trump wins the office.

Additionally, Project 2025 does not explicitly say Donald Trump will follow the plan, but rather the “next conservative administration,” meaning even if Donald Trump loses in 2024, the plan could be maintained for the next election in 2028.

Project 2025 will extend the president’s power. But why is this extremely dangerous to the future of our democracy?

Checks and balances in our government are an essential aspect to our democracy  It keeps our nation from turning into a dictatorship by splitting up the government's power in 3 different branches: the Legislative Branch, where laws are established, the Executive Branch, where laws are executed (through the President, departments, and agencies), and the Judicial Branch, where the legality of laws are assessed based on the Constitution. 

Extending the President’s power would allow him to appoint individuals to office who will follow him and support him in executing his policies. This completely extinguishes the point of the checks and balances system, since if the President has both the complete government support and the power surpassing that of the rest of the branches, then those other branches can’t do anything to bring balance and ensure the president is not abusing his power.

This section discusses a complete reform of the main branches of government and suggests a shift in the balance of power in the executive branch’s favor.

The Common Defense shifts the focus from the power in government to the protection of the citizens. This section discusses the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and State as well as intelligence community and media agencies.

Within this section, many priorities are discussed that emphasize the protection of American citizens.  relate to protecting the people. The Department of Defense subsection includes transforming and improving the military with lots of investments through manufacturing new weapons and technologies, demanding greater accountability, and improving transparency financially. It also discusses the creation of defense systems, such as an advanced missile system, as well as new training programs that allow troops to be deployed rapidly and efficiently.

The Department of Homeland Security subsection discusses immigration and security, and suggests merging most of the current immigration-based organizations such as U.S Customs and Border Protection and the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement into one uniform immigration organization at the Cabinet level (White House meetings with President). It also suggests the trimming of “unnecessary” offices within the organization as well as changing the Department of Homeland Security, as creators of the Project feel that it, like many other departments in government, has become too “bloated, bureaucratic, and expensive.” It also discusses a reform of emergency preparations and plans, and, additionally, although it’s very briefly referenced, discusses a removal of T and U visas, which are visas granted to victims of crime and struggle, suggesting victimization is not a basis for immigration.

The rest of the Common Defense discusses the media, foreign relations, and intelligence, which includes implementing global tracking methods to fight against terrorism and improving intelligence to detect illegal immigrants and protect the US from cyberthreats. It suggests foreign aid as a way of improving the US’s relations and interests in other parts of the world and improving diplomatic ties to keep the nation secure and to establish stronger alliances. Additionally, the section discusses increasing transparency within the media and controlling/reducing the misinformation that may arise from it, which many fear is a direct call to control parts of the news. It also discusses strengthening communication between the government and the public through media.​

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​​​​​​The General Welfare is the section that features the desired future improvements to the daily life of Americans according to the creators of the plan. 

The General Welfare section includes:

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• Department of Education 

The plans for the Department of Education focus on limiting the so-called “woke propaganda” of the left so that topics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, abortion, diversity and equity inclusion (DEI), and reproductive rights are not discussed in the classroom setting. Details include making “sex” a genetic rather than identity-based topic and the idea that civil rights understanding would reject gender ideology and critical race theory. Instead of having a state mandated education plan, Project 2025 looks to implement an education based more in parental feedback, allowing parents to decide what their children should learn. This would effectively dissolve the Department of Education. 

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• Department of Energy and Related Commissions 

Changes to the Department of Energy and Related Commissions include severely limiting or completely stopping Biden Administration initiatives that seek to improve our ways to be more green and to fight climate change. They would also seek to stop the push to limit oil and natural gas production and seek to provide reliable and affordable energy for all.

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• The Department of Agriculture

This subsection discusses agriculture and farmers. It suggests funding farmers, helping reduce restrictions on food production, and limiting government intervention on farmer lives and businesses. The authors write “the USDA should not try to control and shape the economy, but should instead remove obstacles that hinder food production. Further, it should not place ancillary issues, such as environmental issues, ahead of agricultural production itself.” Since farmers are such a fundamental part of the food share in the economy, the plan hones in on the money and restrictions they have, and suggests new projects and funds to help them out.

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• Environmental Protection Agency 

Changes to the EPA would focus on streamlining regulations to balance environmental protection with economic growth. It would also implement measures to control both air and water pollution and ensure safe drinking and cleaning water for as many people as possible

Establishing an increased focus on providing what they argue are actual methods to combat climate change

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• Department of Health and Human Services

The Department of Health and Human Services under the guidelines of Project 2025 would enforce an agenda to protect pro life ideals and “uphold bodily integrity rooted in biological realities, not ideology”. It would also work to place healthcare-related dollars and procedures in the hands of the patients and their doctors, as opposed to third-party insurance companies. Improving transparency and proaction in the event of a national health crisis is also a key priority of the department. Finally, they argue that they need to protect children from adult propaganda which includes education on the LGBTQ+ community and cultural aspects of the LGBTQ+ community.

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• Department of Housing and Urban Development 

A complete reset of the Department of Housing and Urban Development would ensure, including the removal of any corrosive Biden Administration policies that have resulted in intergenerational poverty and discouraged both work and income growth to keep people caught in poverty traps. They would seek to implement administrative regulation for new plans and projects to assist citizens and establish new leadership to constantly look at housing markets and to potentially “reform, reinvent, and renew” that transfers the Departments functions to facilities and locations in these areas 

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• Department of the Interior

The Department would emphasize the importance of conserving public lands and natural resources. This includes initiatives to protect national parks, wildlife refuges, and other critical habitats. It advocates for a balanced approach to energy development on public lands, including both traditional energy sources like oil and gas as well as renewable energy projects such as wind and solar, NOT a solely green energy ecosystem. It would also reduce federal oversight, increasing state or private control over public lands

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• Department of Justice 

Changes to the Department of Justice would include Improving FBI’s integrity and working with FBI to combat domestic and international criminal agencies and enterprises that jeopardize the lives of citizens, shifting the Department of Justice’s focus on violent crimes, and terminating current FBI investigations that are unnecessary or deemed unlawful.

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• Department of Labor and Related Agencies

The Department of Labor and Related Agencies would remove the Equal Employment Opportunity data collection that are based around race/ethnicity, since it categorizes people and fails to appreciate the diversity in employment industry, extinguish the DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) Revolution in Labor Policy, and review passed acts for possible corruption and abuse and decide whether or not to reform/transform them.

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• Department of Transportation 

To change the Department of Transportation, there would be a focus on improving infrastructure related to vehicles, such as expanding roads, creating new highways, repairing broken down bridges and tunnels. It would also seek to enhance and sustain the efficiency of trains delivering cargo to improve our economy and ensure faster and easier national access to goods and supplies. And finally they will try to streamline regulations to reduce governmental delays and encourage timely completion of transportation projects while maintaining safety and environmental standards

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• Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veteran Affairs would ensure that the VA Mission statement is being upheld properly by creating new Secretarial directives (an official instruction/order issued by the head of a government department to communicate policies, procedures, and actions needed in the department) for areas in need of reform. It would also require VHA to publicly report all aspects of its operation, including money and care-quality related topics. And finally, would “seek out relevant academic and private sector input in their communities to improve the overall patient experience”.

 

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The Economy acknowledges what many, especially those on the far right, say is the most fundamentally important aspect of any government: money. Maintaining material stability is covered within this section, with subsections of money-related departments including the Department of Commerce and the Department of Treasury as well as other areas of interest including Export-Import Banks, Federal Reserves, Small Business Administration, and Trade, notably fair and free trade.
 

Department of Commerce
To revamp the Department of Commerce, Project 2025 seeks to staff the Office of the Secretary with political appointees, sending existing detailees back to their home bureaus, and replacing them with trusted career staff that the Republican Administration sees fit. 

According to Project 2025:  “The Office of the Secretary's budget and staff have increasingly been allocated to outdated financial, human resources, administrative, IT, contracting, and facilities functions”, to resolve this issue all committees should be reviewed and abolished if not required by statute. Project 2025 also believes many advisory committees are populated by activists hostile to conservative principles, so these will be put under review as well.

Finally, they vow to work with Customs and Border Protection, DOJ (Department of Justice), Treasury, and other agencies to address duty evasion and pursue importers for unpaid duties as well as consider policy changes to reduce uncollected duties.

 

Department of the Treasury 
Changes in the Department of Treasury would include simplifying the tax code by enacting a simple two-rate individual tax system of 15 percent and 30 percent that eliminates most deductions, credits and exclusions. They plan to work with Congress to establish complete Tax Reform. In terms of those appointed to the Department of Treasury, they would like to increase the number of Presidential appointments that would be subject to Senate confirmation, and not subject to Senate confirmation, at the IRS.

Project 2025 seeks to completely revamp the IRS as they currently have 81,000 employees, yet only two presidential appointments. To resolve this issue and modernize the IRS, Project 2025 would like to increase the number of presidential appointees.

 

Export-Import Bank
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is a federal agency that provides financial assistance to support the export of American goods and services. It offers loans, loan guarantees, and insurance to U.S. exporters and their foreign customers, helping them secure financing and reduce risks associated with international trade. EXIM's mission is to promote job creation and economic growth by facilitating exports, ensuring that U.S. businesses can compete globally. By filling gaps in private sector financing, EXIM helps American companies expand their markets, especially in cases where private financing is unavailable or insufficient.

Project 2025 makes several assumptions and claims about EXIM that are not true, some of which include that:

• The Bank is an example of government-granted privilege

• The Bank does not maintain or create jobs

• The Bank does not promote exports

• Subsidy-boosted exports do not boost economic growth

• The Bank does not promote growth by leveling the playing field

• The Bank does not support small businesses

• The Bank is not a good deal for taxpayers

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Project 2025 believes the Export–Import Bank should be abolished because it wastes taxpayer money, adversely affects American businesses, and does not promote economic growth effectively. Furthermore, any attempts to reorient the agency and make it a weapon with which to fight against China are going to fail. 

 

Federal Reserve 
Project 2025 would like to see the Federal Reserve adopt  a more rules-based approach to monetary (relating to money) policy, such as the Taylor Rule, to enhance predictability and stability. Additionally, focusing on controlling inflation and avoiding policies that lead to excessive monetary expansion or asset bubbles.
“The Taylor Rule is a formula that prescribes how central banks should set interest rates, factoring in considerations such as inflation and GDP growth. Per the Taylor Rule, the Federal Reserve should increase interest rates when inflation exceeds targets, or when output growth is too high.” — from Investopedia

Increasing transparency and accountability in the Federal Reserve's operations and decision-making processes. Also, altering the composition or selection process of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors to ensure a more diverse range of economic perspectives.

Stop paying interest on excess reserves:
Excess reserves refer to the cash and deposits held by a financial institution (e.g., a commercial bank) exceeding the reserve requirement that an authority (e.g., the central bank) sets. -Corporate Finance Institute
“the Federal Reserve effectively prints money and then “borrows” it back from banks rather than those banks’ lending money to the public. This amounts to a transfer to Wall Street at the expense of the American public and has driven such excess reserves to $3.1 trillion, up seventyfold since 2007. The Federal Reserve should immediately end this practice and either sell off its balance sheet or simply stop paying interest so that banks instead lend the money”

 

Small Business Administration 
“The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) supports U.S. entrepreneurship and small business growth by strengthening free enterprise through policy advocacy and facilitating programs that help entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses and compete effectively in the global marketplace” 

Project 2025 seeks to reform the management system within the SBA by leveraging and strengthening the core SBA functions that have been fairly effective at reining in and calling attention to costly regulations and policies that are harmful to small businesses. Essentially improving the functions that have worked at the SBA, that identify and address regulations and policies that are expensive and harmful to small businesses.
A tighter, more focused SBA that concentrates on congressionally authorized programs

 

Trade
Fair Trade:
Project 2025 sets out two competing arguments for how the President should handle trade for the nation. There’s a heavy emphasis on competing with China in the policy book and the authors question which methods will allow the U.S. to have a more dominant economy. Peter Navarro argues that fair trade is the key to combatting China and helping the economy flourish. Fair trade entails regulating trade to ensure that producers are empowered and workers are paid fair wages. Fair trade looks to support marginalized groups and fair trade supporters believe that more consumers will be brought into the economy due to the fact that human rights are being greater prioritized. Navarro argues that it’s essential to protect American workers, such as farmers and manufacturers, from the internation trading system and China’s aggression. 

Free Trade:
Kent Lassman argues that free trade with help the economy flourish and make the U.S. more dominant. Supporters of free trade argue that by removing tariffs, regulations, and restrictions on the export and import of goods, the international trade market will become more open and this will lead to economic growth. Supporters believe that as a result of less government regulation, consumers will pay less since overhead costs will decrease and efficiency will increase. Lassman argues we’ve departed from the founding institutions in the U.S. that were based on free trade and this is weakening the economy.  He states that free trade will strengthen the U.S. economy and better enable us to combat economic crises. The author also discusses how free trade will lower consumer prices for Americans, create new markets for American products, and greater support U.S. businesses due to the efficiency of free trade which will help the nation compete with China. 

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​Independent Regulatory Agencies is a relatively straightforward section that talks about the need for implementing proper leadership in Independent Regulatory Commissions. According to the University of Pittsburgh, “Independent agencies of the United States federal government are those agencies that exist outside of the federal executive branch . More specifically, the term is used to describe agencies that, while constitutionally part of the executive branch, are independent of presidential control, usually because the president's power to dismiss the agency head or a member is limited.”

Financial Regulatory Agencies discusses the SEC (Securities and Exchange Committee). It proposes merging it with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). It also argues that cost reductions, transparency and trust in the public, and simplified regulations are necessary reforms for the SEC. The section also attacks the SEC’s climate change reporting rule, since public companies costs are increased dramatically, affecting investment opportunities and entrepreneurial trust in the government.

As a result of these reforms, public companies would likely suffer higher costs and more difficult opportunities to obtain greater market share. The section also attacks financial offices that promote DEI, which could lead to mistreatment in employment and weaken corporate bonds. The merging of PCAOB and FINRA can allow for a trimming of unnecessary offices and make enforcement of these independent federal agencies direct and concise, however, it can place too many eggs in one basket, allowing for loopholes and gaps that can lead to weaker oversight of the organizations policies.

Federal Communications Commission discusses Big Tech companies and their dominant influence and legal presence that makes it difficult to hold them accountable to anything. It suggests greater transparency within these companies by increasing their federal requirements at transparency, and also suggests reform to section 230.

Big Tech companies as a result would struggle with operations, since their legal liabilities are much heavier and they would lose tons of legal protections. These reforms would harm consumers, since increased operational costs on companies, such as Telecommunication companies, would result in a need for greater charges, harming consumers. While it makes it easier to take bigger companies off their pedestals, it also puts a burden on consumers to spend more money to use products that may be fundamental to their daily lives, such as phones and subscription services.

Federal Election Commission, according to the author of this subsection, is in desperate need of reform. Topics discussed include the President having limited authority over the committee and the desperate need of investigation in corruption and harmful actions within the commission and the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA).

Some of the reforms suggested by Project 2025 have potential to shift campaigns in a biased way, where partisan enforcement actions in the commission can cause unfair competition during elections. Additionally, if such enforcement becomes more partisan based, smaller political parties have almost no chance of being represented fairly alongside Republicans and Democrats, such as the Libertarian party. 

All in all, if the Federal Election Commission is run by a single party, it may cause election bias and unfair outcomes, which completely ruin a democracy-based election process.

Federal Trade Commission is recommended multiple reforms as a result of Project 2025, including a prioritization of protecting children from unfair trade both in the real world and digitally and a step back in reanalyzing antitrust laws.

Companies would suffer stricter regulations and freedoms if such reforms were executed, which could potentially lead to greater transparency towards the public and less loopholes companies could go through to avoid accountability. This hinders business decisions, especially smaller ones, however, and makes their organizations significantly less progressive. Additionally, focusing on child protections may lead to implementations of verification processes that put burdens on companies to increase operational ranges. Privacy concerns are also at risk if such verification processes are carried out.

This section proposes greater transparencies and reforms within committees in order to bring larger companies off their pedestals and pressure them to hold accountability and greater transparency. It proposes greater limits on company operations, which, in turn, can lead to weaker company progression and greater operational costs that could increase prices and burdens on consumers.​​​

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