Donald Trump’s connections to the 900-page document developed by the Heritage Foundation illustrate the ideological foundations of conservative America, despite his recent efforts to distance himself from it. Notably, Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, is also associated with the Heritage Foundation, which crafted this comprehensive proposal.
The Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025” outlines a strategy termed the “presidential transition project.” They describe it as a coordinated effort by the conservative movement to ensure preparedness for the next conservative administration set to take office on January 20, 2025, at noon.
This extensive 922-page manifesto, titled “Mandate for Leadership,” first released in early 2023, presents a plan to significantly reorganize the U.S. federal government. The document is the result of collaboration among more than 100 contributors.
Key proposals from Project 2025 include:
a) Criminalizing pornography,
b) Dissolving both the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Homeland Security,
c) Rejecting abortion as a recognized medical procedure,
d) Eliminating climate protections.
Project 2025 comprises four primary elements: a database of conservative-leaning employees, a training program known as the “Presidential Administration Academy,” a playbook for the incoming president’s first 180 days, and a detailed book focusing on changes to government agencies.
The initiative emphasizes the need for a vigorous application of executive powers, advocating for the reinstatement of “Schedule F,” an executive order originally signed by Trump which Joe Biden subsequently revoked. This order would enable the removal of civil servants deemed disloyal to the president.
Among its conservative goals, the plan calls for the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, while also suggesting the abolishment of the Department of Homeland Security, criticizing it as being influenced by what it terms “the Left’s wokeness” post-9/11.
The document asserts, “Pornography should be outlawed,” proposing imprisonment for its producers and distributors and holding tech companies accountable for distributing it.
It categorizes transgender healthcare for minors as “child abuse” and equates “transgender ideology” with pornography. The proposal also seeks to revoke the approval of the abortion medication mifepristone and exempt certain contraceptives from the Affordable Care Act.
Although it does not call for an outright national abortion ban, many recommendations would impose significant restrictions on access to abortion services.
Regarding environmental policies, the document advocates for increased fossil fuel production while reversing measures aimed at combating climate change and dismantling existing environmental laws. It labels the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as a promoter of the “climate change alarm industry,” suggesting its dismantlement.
On immigration, it proposes mass deportations and deploying active-duty military personnel to secure the border. It also recommends removing terms relating to sexual orientation, gender identity, and diversity from federal regulations and legislation.
As U.S. politics evolve, there are implications for nations like Fiji. The question remains whether these potential policies will have a beneficial or detrimental impact, particularly given the proposed regression on climate initiatives and environmental conservation efforts, raising concerns about whether the U.S. remains a country worthy of attention.