President Trump has kicked off his new term with an energetic flurry of executive orders, racking up an impressive 92 within just the first two months. This ambitious action hasn’t gone unnoticed; many of these orders closely align with a comprehensive plan known as Project 2025. This 922-page guide, crafted by the Heritage Foundation, outlines a radical conservative agenda that Trump has previously distanced himself from in his campaign speeches, claiming he has never read it and has no intention to do so. So, what’s the deal here? The overlap suggests that Trump is, whether he admits it or not, implementing some of the ideas laid out in Project 2025.
One of the primary focuses in Project 2025 is dismantling the oversized federal bureaucracy, which Republicans have long criticized as too bloated and costly. Trump isn’t wasting any time in addressing this issue. A quarter of his executive orders tackle the size and staffing of the government. This aligns with Project 2025’s goal to take a sledgehammer to the administrative state, and it seems Trump is keen on making that promise a reality. He has wasted no time in addressing what he calls the “deep state,” pledging to reclaim democracy from Washington’s clutches, which resonates well with conservative voters.
One of the standout actions taken by Trump on his first day back in the Oval Office was reinstating the Schedule F classification. This change allows for easier dismissals of policy-making employees, effectively giving the administration more control over the federal workforce. Furthermore, Trump is not shy about taking decisive action regarding independent agencies like the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission, having just signed an executive order granting himself more authority over them. While Project 2025 didn’t call for a specific Department of Government Efficiency, the new structure does bear a striking resemblance to the document’s proposed goals, indicating that the administration is keen on streamlining operations.
Trump has also made significant strides in immigration policy, which is another core issue that Project 2025 emphasizes. He has signed eight executive orders addressing various aspects of immigration, echoing the project’s call for heightened national security at the southern border. Some of his initiatives, like deploying troops to bolster security, reflect an eagerness to take a tough line on immigration. Interestingly, while Project 2025 stopped short of outright calling for the end of Birthright citizenship, Trump signed an executive order to do just that. This kind of boldness showcases his willingness to push boundaries, much to the delight of his supporters.
Additionally, a substantial portion of Trump’s executive orders has targeted what he calls “woke culture.” Project 2025 highlights the need to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives from the federal landscape—an objective that Trump has eagerly adopted. Approximately 10% of his orders are aimed at eradicating these so-called woke policies, reflecting a concerted effort to reshape the federal narrative. The administration argues this will lead to a more effective government, one that focuses on merit rather than race or gender. The idea that eliminating “wokeness” will restore efficiency mirrors a central theme of Project 2025, illustrating the alignment between Trump’s actions and the conservative goals outlined in the report.
In conclusion, the intersection of Trump’s first few months in office and Project 2025 is striking. While the president might publicly downplay his connection to the plan, the reality is that many of his actions reflect its conservative ambitions. With his administration moving quickly and aggressively on numerous fronts, critics will find it increasingly challenging to keep up with his pace. This fast start not only energizes Trump’s base but also signals that he is undeterred by potentially controversial measures. As his presidency unfolds, observers can expect more of the same bold, conservative actions that align closely with the goals of Project 2025, setting the stage for a dynamic and contentious political landscape.
