Trump’s Project 2025 — What You Need to Know

Jan Plotczyk • July 16, 2024


We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless, if the left allows it to be.

~Kevin Roberts, president of Heritage Foundation and architect of Project 2025

 

What is this second revolution? Simply, it means "restructuring the country so that the right — meaning primarily straight White men, as was the case 100 years ago — can decide how power and status are allocated.”

~Philip Bump, Washington Post

 

 

Don’t be fooled by his recent disavowals. Donald Trump has a transition team working already — mapping out the course of his second administration. The MAGA Trump elite will be prepped for a Trump victory this time.

 

The plans — or most of them — are not secret; in fact, they’re published on the internet as Project 2025.

 

Critics of Project 2025 characterize it as an authoritarian, Christian nationalist plan to transform the U.S. into an autocracy. Many legal experts claim it would undermine the rule of law, destroy the separation of powers, end the separation of church and state, and erode civil liberties.

 

Conceived by the Heritage Foundation (the former conservative think-tank turned far-right ideological tribe), aided by a large cast of former high-level Trump administration appointees and reactionary organizations, and funded to the tune of $22 million by right-wing billionaire megadonors such as the Koch brothers and Leonard Leo, Project 2025 aims to reshape American society completely.

 

How to accomplish this, as stated in the introduction to the document, is to:

  • Restore the family as the centerpiece of American life and protect our children
  • Dismantle the administrative state and return self-governance to the American people
  • Defend our nation’s sovereignty, borders, and bounty against global threats
  • Secure our God-given individual rights to live freely — what our Constitution calls ‘the Blessings of Liberty’

 

These coded dog whistles are crafted to appear innocuous, harmless, and “American,” while signaling their true intent to far-right believers.

 

As unobjectionable as this language appears, a close reading of the 900-page document reveals some ugly policy plans.

 

Highlights of Project 2025 include:

 

Revenge and retribution

  • Prosecute Trump’s political opponents
  • Pardon and free the Jan. 6 insurrectionists
  • Deport protestors
  • Jail journalists
  • Fire federal civil servants and replace them with Trump loyalists

 

Expand presidential power

  • Concentrate power in Trump’s hands
  • Replace government experts with MAGA loyalists
  • Withhold congressionally allocated funding at will
  • Bring the Department of Justice and FBI under Trump’s power to prosecute his opponents
  • Completely dismantle key agencies such as the Department of Education

 

Rip away reproductive freedom

  • Enshrine law that life begins at conception
  • Pass a national abortion ban
  • Block national protections for IVF (in vitro fertilization)
  • Restrict or prevent access to contraception
  • Establish surveillance state to track women and health care providers

 

More handouts to the ultra-wealthy. More taxes on the middle class. Cut Social Security and Medicare

  • Terminate ACA (Obamacare)
  • Cut funding to Medicaid
  • Cut and privatize Social Security and Medicare
  • Raise retirement age
  • Impose tariffs that would raise taxes on middle class families up to $8300/year
  • Extend and expand Trump’s tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans

 

Foreign Policy

  • End U.S. support for Ukraine
  • Curtail foreign aid through USAID
  • Start dramatic build-up of nuclear bombs and weapons in excess of treaty limits
  • Resume nuclear weapons testing despite international testing bans
  • Transition armed forces to a “wartime footing”

 

More

  • Insert principles of Christian Nationalism into the national government
  • Reinstate Muslim ban
  • Detain illegal immigrants in huge camps
  • Eliminate a long list of terms from all laws and federal regulations, including: sexual orientation; diversity, equity, and inclusion; gender equality; abortion; reproductive rights
  • Institute policies that support the formation of straight families
  • Do away with “woke” propaganda in public schools
  • Cripple public education through “school choice”
  • Put more guns in schools
  • Cut money from school meal programs
  • Terminate college loan forgiveness programs
  • Eliminate Head Start
  • Roll back everything Joe Biden accomplished on climate change

 

As horrifying as all this is, there’s more — more monstrous stuff that hasn’t been released to the public. Earlier this year, Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, said, “There are parts of the plan that we will not share with the Left: the executive orders, the rules and regulations. Just like a good football team, we don’t want to tip off our playbook to the Left.”

 

As word of Project 2025 spreads, public outrage has spiked. House Democrats launched a task force to fight back against the agenda. Joe Biden’s reelection campaign published a webpage explaining the contents of the plan. But it’s up to us to spread the word.

 

Realizing how toxic Project 2025 is, Trump is trying to distance himself from it, simultaneously disavowing knowledge of the plan and claiming to disagree with at least parts of it.

 

But Trump is mentioned on 190 pages of the 900-page document. Trump’s own super PAC is running ads promoting it and calling it “Trump’s Project 2025.” Trump’s campaign rallies feature many of the policies outlined in the document.

 

To combat criticism, the Heritage Foundation published “5 Reasons Leftists Hate Project 2025.” In it — and these are quotes — they argue that Project 2025 will:

  1. Restore the American family. The radical Left hates families.
  2. Dismantle the deep state. The radical Left needs the deep state to maintain its iron grip on power.
  3. End America’s border crisis. The radical Left rejects the idea of borders and national sovereignty.
  4. Reject climate hysteria. Billionaire climate activists use the “climate crisis” as a tool for scaring Americans into giving up their freedom.
  5. Stop socialism in its tracks. The radical Left hates Project 2025 because it will save America from becoming a socialist nightmare.

 

The implementation of this blueprint, especially in the context of the newly defined powers of presidential immunity for “official acts,” would spell the end of American life as we know it.

 

Only the election of Democrats up and down the ballot in November can prevent this dystopian takeover of our country.

 

The Founders are turning in their graves.

 

 

Jan Plotczyk spent 25 years as a survey and education statistician with the federal government, at the Census Bureau and the National Center for Education Statistics. She retired to Rock Hall.



Common Sense for the Eastern Shore

Health of His Constituents is Apparently Not a Priority for Rep. Dr. Andy Harris

By Jan Plotczyk • October 8, 2025
The Republican Congress and President Trump are causing a health care crisis and Democrats are trying to fix it. Passed in July, the GOP budget reconciliation bill is drastically cutting health insurance programs to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Rep. Andrew P. Harris (R-MD01) voted for the budget reconciliation bill. He voted, knowing that his vote would mean that health care costs would rise for 25,000 of his constituents in Maryland’s First Congressional District:

Judge Denies Trump Administration’s Attempt to Stall Maryland Offshore Wind Case Amid Federal Shutdown

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
 Efforts by the Trump administration to delay a critical court case over Maryland’s offshore wind project have failed, marking another setback in the president’s campaign to block renewable energy development along the East Coast. On Oct. 2, U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie Gallagher denied a motion filed by the Department of Justice to pause an ongoing lawsuit involving US Wind’s proposed 114-turbine wind farm off Ocean City. The administration had argued that the federal government’s shutdown prevents its attorneys from continuing the case. The judge’s swift rejection ensures that the litigation and progress on one of Maryland’s most significant clean energy projects will continue. Initially filed by Ocean City officials and a small group of residents nearly a year ago, the suit challenges the federal approval of US Wind’s project, which would deliver enough clean electricity to power more than 700,000 homes. Under the Biden administration, the federal government had defended the project in partnership with US Wind. That stance was reversed after Trump took office earlier this year and installed officials hostile to offshore wind. In September, the Trump administration filed a separate motion seeking to vacate federal approval for the Maryland project altogether, a move widely condemned by environmental advocates, labor groups, and business leaders who see offshore wind as a cornerstone of Maryland’s energy and economic future. US Wind responded forcefully to the shutdown motion, warning the court that the administration’s attempts to delay proceedings could allow it to undermine the project’s approval behind the scenes quietly. The company argued that halting the case would create “existential risks” for the future of Maryland’s offshore wind industry. Judge Gallagher agreed that the case should move forward, setting the next status hearing for Oct. 7. The Trump administration’s repeated efforts to obstruct offshore wind development come as Maryland and other states have invested heavily in building the infrastructure, workforce, and port facilities needed to anchor the growing clean energy industry. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has championed the sector as a key driver for well-paying jobs and long-term economic resilience for the Eastern Shore. Supporters of US Wind point out that the project will bring over $1 billion in investment to Maryland, generate thousands of construction and maintenance jobs, and help deliver cleaner, more affordable energy to homes and businesses across the region. “Offshore wind isn’t just about turbines, it’s about jobs, innovation, and independence,” one clean energy advocate said after the ruling. “Every delay costs working Marylanders opportunity, and this decision ensures progress continues.” While the broader lawsuit over the project’s approval is ongoing, the latest ruling represents a clear win for those fighting to keep Maryland’s offshore wind future on track — and a blow to Trump’s attempt to turn back the clock on clean energy.

Should We Pin Our Hopes on Mid-Cycle Redistricting in MD-01?

By Jan Plotczyk • October 8, 2025
Maryland has eight congressional districts, and the seats for all but District 01 are filled by Democrats. As we well know, the First District representative is a Republican — Andrew P. Harris. Here’s what Maryland’s congressional district map is now.

Megan Outten Kicks Off Wicomico County Council District 7 Campaign with Packed Crowd and Strong Early Momentum

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
With standing room only at Salisbury’s Historic Poplar Hill Mansion, and blending policy, community service, and grassroots energy, Megan Outten launched her campaign for Wicomico County Council District 7 before almost 100 supporters on Oct. 4. The event drew community residents, labor leaders, and local officials, many of whom also helped to pack nearly 300 care kits for Wicomico residents in need. The community service effort doubled as a campaign statement about what Outten calls “choosing connection over convenience.” District 7 is one of Wicomico’s newly drawn single-member districts, with a Democratic advantage of 7.7%. Outten recalled her family’s history of service in Fruitland and Salisbury. “Service isn’t just politics in my family,” she said. “It’s how you belong to a place. It’s how you prove you care.” She pointed to the county’s landfill crisis, water and septic system failures, and school underfunding as examples of leadership that reacts rather than plans. “This is what happens when leaders only react after things break,” she said. “It costs us more. It hurts families. It robs our kids of the future they deserve.” Outten was joined by several local leaders who offered strong endorsements and reflections on her record. AFSCME Local 3 Eastern Shore representative Jack Hughes praised her leadership on the Salisbury City Council, crediting her with helping pass the Eastern Shore’s first municipal labor code, a significant win for city workers and first responders. Councilman Josh Hastings, who represents the district and is running for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 38B, said Outten would be “crucial in carrying forward the progress we’ve made” on clean water, schools, and infrastructure planning. Whitney Snowden-Olanrewaju from Blending Cultures, a non-profit organization that promotes diversity and equality, spoke about Outten’s record of community inclusion and bridge-building across diverse groups. Outten’s campaign is expected to roll out additional endorsements in the coming weeks. In her speech, she outlined a platform focused on fully funding schools, investing in infrastructure before it fails, and ensuring that county government works for everyone. “This campaign is not mine,” she told the crowd. “It’s ours. I am not standing above you. I am standing with you. And together, we will put Wicomico families first.” With enthusiasm, endorsements, and her message that’s focused on service and accountability, Outten’s kickoff reinforced that District 7 is already shaping up to have a strong favorite in 2026.

Community Rallies After Theft of Car Containing Hundreds of Care Kits for Wicomico Residents in Need

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
An act of inhumanity in Salisbury has sparked an outpouring of compassion. Early on Oct. 5, community organizer Jared Schablein’s car was stolen from his backyard. Inside the vehicle were hundreds of care kits assembled just days earlier during Megan Outten’s Wicomico County Council District 7 campaign kickoff event. Packed by volunteers at Salisbury’s Poplar Hill Mansion, the kits contained feminine hygiene products, socks, and toiletries meant for Wicomico County residents facing housing insecurity. “Those kits were meant for neighbors in need,” said Schablein. “If nothing else, I hope whoever took them returns them. Getting those care kits to the folks who need them matters more to me than anything else.” Schablein and Outten have turned the theft into action, launching a new effort called the “Care Kits Comeback Drive.” The event, scheduled for Oct. 12 at 2pm at Poplar Hill Mansion, aims to replace every lost kit, and more. Volunteers are asked to bring or donate items such as sanitary wipes, socks, toothpaste, period products, and underwear. Donations will support the Wicomico County Library, Help and Outreach Point of Entry, and other local service organizations. In announcing the new drive, Schablein emphasized the deeper meaning behind the effort: “When acts of inhumanity happen, the best response is acts of humanity. We’re showing that Salisbury’s compassion can’t be stolen.” Despite the setback, organizers say community support has been overwhelming. Donations began arriving within hours of the announcement, and several local groups have offered to distribute supplies once the new kits are complete. The theft is still under investigation by the Salisbury Police Department. As one volunteer put it at the last event, “Community isn’t guaranteed, it’s built.” This Sunday, Salisbury will build it again.

Momentum Builds to Save Connelly Mill Park: Community Leaders and State Officials Unite Around Vision for Wicomico’s “Central Park”

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
What began as a grassroots campaign to preserve a parcel of local land has become one of the most inspiring community movements on the Eastern Shore. Led by residents James and Mikele Dahlen and Holly Campbell, alongside dozens of volunteers, the Save Connelly Mill Park effort reached a significant milestone last week as Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Josh Kurtz toured the site with local and state officials to explore opportunities for partnership and permanent protection. On Sept. 23, citizens gathered at Connelly Mill Park with a delegation of state and county leaders, including Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, Del. Barry Beauchamp, County Council President John Cannon, Vice President Jeff Merritt, Councilman James Winn, and local municipal representatives from Delmar and Salisbury. The tour marked the strongest signal to date that the state may play an active role in turning the park’s long-promised vision into reality. Advocates for Save Connelly Mill Park presented Kurtz with a booklet outlining the site’s environmental, historical, and economic importance. The presentation highlighted Connelly Mill’s potential to become a keystone of Wicomico’s park system — protecting the Paleochannel aquifer, preserving wildlife habitats, and providing much-needed green space for recreation and community gathering. Located just five miles from Salisbury, the 234-acre property has rolling forest, wetlands, and unique topography that advocates say could one day make it the “Central Park of Wicomico County.” “The natural beauty of Connelly Mill spoke for itself,” said one organizer after the event. “What we have here is not just land, it’s a promise to future generations.” Adding to the momentum, the community’s advocacy materials were presented directly to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore the next day at the Tawes Crab and Clam Bake in Crisfield, where he was briefed on the citizens’ efforts and growing local support. The proposed park would provide walking trails, open space for families, and educational opportunities while safeguarding vital water resources and promoting mental, physical, and social well-being for county residents. For many, the movement to save Connelly Mill has come to represent more than just one park. It’s about accountability, long-term planning, and ensuring public commitments to community spaces are kept. “We’re not out of the woods yet,” the group shared in a recent update. “But the spotlight is on Connelly Mill, and the momentum is growing.” As the state evaluates whether to designate Connelly Mill as a Partnership Park, supporters say they will continue to meet with officials and rally community engagement to ensure this once-forgotten project finally fulfills its promise. If realized, Connelly Mill would not only protect vital natural resources — it would stand as testament to what determined citizens can build when they refuse to give up.
Show More