In a recent move, President Donald Trump has enacted policies that closely resemble the conservative Project 2025, despite publicly distancing himself from it during his campaign. Project 2025, crafted by the Heritage Foundation, offers a conservative blueprint that seems to align with several of Trump’s executive orders.
Ellen Keenan, spokesperson for the Heritage Foundation, praised the President, stating, “President Trump and his team deserve the credit for delivering on his commitment to make America safer, stronger, and better than ever before.”
However, the alignment of Trump’s actions with Project 2025 has drawn criticism, particularly from groups opposed to the project. Cathryn Oakley from the Human Rights Campaign commented, “Nine days into the newest Trump administration, many of Project 2025’s wildest dreams have already even been implemented or attempts have been made to implement them.”
During his campaign, Trump stated his disassociation with Project 2025, remarking in a Truth Social post, “I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they’re saying and some of the things they’re saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal.”
Policies Reflecting Project 2025
Biological Reality of Sex
Project 2025 discusses the “biological reality” of sex, suggesting there are only two genders. Trump’s executive order on Inauguration Day echoed this sentiment by recognizing only male and female as sexes. Cathryn Oakley criticized this stance, highlighting it as an outdated belief in strict gender roles.
The executive order also reflects Project 2025’s recommendation to reverse policies allowing transgender individuals in the military, aligning with Trump’s view that gender dysphoria is incompatible with military service readiness.
Federal Hiring Freeze
Project 2025 proposed a hiring freeze in federal departments, which Trump enacted on his first day in office. The freeze exempts non-career and political positions. Amanda Carpenter from Protect Democracy voiced concerns about this move, suggesting it aims to expand executive power by reducing career civil service roles.
This hiring freeze contradicts the traditional merit-based federal hiring system established in the late 1800s to prevent political favoritism.
Alignment of Foreign Aid
Project 2025 criticized the distribution of U.S. foreign aid, suggesting it should align more closely with U.S. foreign policy. Trump’s executive order titled “Reevaluating and realigning United States foreign aid” calls for reformation of foreign aid to match American interests.
While the order did not specify which funds are problematic, Project 2025 highlighted areas like abortion and climate change initiatives. The State Department is reportedly implementing this order.
