Former President Donald Trump has altered his stance on the conservative policy agenda, following months of actively dissociating himself from it throughout his re-election bid.
Trump stated on Thursday that he planned to convene with Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, identifying him as “he of PROJECT 2025 Fame,” to determine which “Democrat Agencies,” many of which he deems a “political SCAM,” Vought advises to eliminate, and whether these reductions should be temporary or permanent.
Trump posted on , stating, “I am astonished the Radical Left Democrats presented me with this unparalleled chance.” He added, “They are not foolish individuals, so perhaps this is their method of wishing to, discreetly and swiftly, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
This statement represents a notable departure from the former President’s earlier rejections of the widely disliked conservative policy framework, developed by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, prior to the 2024 election. During a debate last year with former Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump had stated, “I am not involved with Project 2025. I have not reviewed it. I deliberately choose not to read it. I will not read it.”
Nevertheless, despite Trump’s frequent claims of unfamiliarity with Project 2025, he maintained strong connections with several of its creators, many of whom served in his administrations—including Vought. Moreover, since his return to the White House in January, his second administration has proceeded with implementing various proposals outlined in the extensive, over 900-page document.
Presently, amidst the , Trump is advancing to further realize Project 2025’s objectives of shrinking the federal workforce and expanding his executive authorities—seemingly, now openly endorsing the initiative.
An Overview of Project 2025
Project 2025 constitutes a comprehensive policy program, led by the Heritage Foundation, which outlines hundreds of proposals for the subsequent Republican president to fundamentally transform the federal government in line with a conservative, free-market philosophy.
The plan encompasses proposals such as severely restricting abortion access; implementing stringent immigration enforcement measures and dismantling the asylum framework; abolishing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; and reversing transgender rights, alongside numerous other objectives.
Prior to the 2024 election, reports indicated that the agenda lacked widespread public support among Americans.
Several of its key contributors are currently members of Trump’s second Administration, such as Vought, senior White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, and Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr.
Trump’s Statements Regarding the Project
Trump frequently attempted to disassociate himself from the controversial plan during the presidential campaign, as Democrats endeavored to link him to it, labeling it “ridiculous.” In July 2024, Trump characterized efforts to connect him to the project as “pure disinformation.”
Trump penned, “I have not reviewed it, possess no knowledge of its leadership, and, distinct from our highly regarded Republican Platform, had no involvement with it.” In other online communications, he described the plan as “abysmal.”
Paul Dans, the individual who supervised the project, eventually resigned from his role after Trump voiced his critiques of the plan.
When Dans resigned, Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, key advisors to Trump, issued a statement indicating that “news of Project 2025’s end would be highly appreciated and ought to serve as a warning to any individual or entity attempting to exaggerate their sway with President Trump and his campaign — such endeavors will not conclude favorably for them.”
They further stated, “Project 2025 was unrelated to the campaign, did not represent the campaign, and should not be connected with the campaign or the president in any manner.”
Nonetheless, following his victory in the 2024 presidential election, Trump did tell TIME, “I do not dispute every aspect of Project 2025, though I do find fault with certain elements.”
Administration Actions Have Reflected Project Proposals
Notwithstanding his critiques of Project 2025, numerous measures undertaken by the Trump Administration since his return to power have reflected aspects of the blueprint. A January analysis by TIME revealed that almost two-thirds of Trump’s initial executive orders mirrored—either entirely or partially—proposals contained within Project 2025.
A component of the plan that Trump has implemented is its suggestion to significantly curtail the size and influence of the federal government.
Trump and his Department of Government Efficiency swiftly moved to reduce federal employees; however, certain layoffs have been paused by courts due to legal challenges. His Administration has also aimed to drastically cut federal expenditures through a range of freezes, recoveries, reductions, and rescissions.
Trump has declared intentions to implement further cuts during the government shutdown. Ahead of this week’s deadline to secure government funding, the White House instructed agencies to anticipate potential contingencies in the event of a congressional impasse, rather than placing non-essential personnel on furlough as done in previous shutdowns.
Furthermore, the Administration has utilized the shutdown to cancel $8 billion in projects within Democratic-governed states, withhold $18 billion allocated for transportation initiatives in New York City, and halt $2.1 billion in other federal initiatives.
