Donald Trump and Project 2025: The Democratic Party’s Battle Against a Conservative Blueprint
As the 2024 election approaches, the Democratic Party has intensified its focus on Project 2025, a comprehensive policy agenda developed by the conservative think tank, The Heritage Foundation. This 900-page manifesto outlines a vision for a potential second Trump administration, detailing sweeping changes across various sectors of government and society. The Democrats have seized upon this document as a symbol of the extreme policies they argue would be implemented under another Trump presidency. The Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago has become a platform for highlighting the dangers posed by Project 2025, with prominent figures like comedian Kenan Thompson using humor to draw attention to its more controversial aspects.
Project 2025, officially titled ‘Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise,’ is not just a theoretical exercise. It includes detailed plans for the first 180 days of a potential Trump administration, covering everything from dismantling federal agencies to rolling back progressive policies implemented under President Biden. Despite Trump’s attempts to distance himself from the project, many of its authors and proponents have close ties to him, raising concerns about the real possibility of these plans being enacted. The Democratic Party has made it clear that they view Project 2025 as a serious threat, using every opportunity at the DNC to warn voters about its implications.
One of the most striking moments at the DNC was when Kenan Thompson brought out a massive version of the Project 2025 book on stage. While his comedic take on the subject provided some levity, the underlying message was clear: Project 2025 is no joke. Thompson’s bit included video appearances by individuals who would be directly affected by the proposed changes, such as teachers, federal employees, and healthcare providers. These segments underscored the real-world impact of the policies outlined in the conservative blueprint, making it harder for the audience to dismiss them as mere political rhetoric.
The Democratic Party has also been strategic in referencing specific pages from the Project 2025 document during speeches at the convention. Each night, an elected official highlighted a particular policy that they believe should concern voters. These policies include weaponizing the Department of Justice, limiting access to abortion, and promoting ‘traditional’ family structures. By doing so, the Democrats aim to raise awareness about the concrete steps a second Trump administration might take, urging voters to consider the stakes of the upcoming election carefully.
Polls indicate that more than half of respondents are aware of Project 2025, but the majority do not agree with its aims. This public sentiment has emboldened the Democrats to continue their attacks on the project. They argue that the proposals within Project 2025 are not just extreme but also out of touch with mainstream American values. For instance, the project resurrects a 1800s law to ban abortion and potentially jail healthcare providers, a move that many see as a drastic step backward in women’s rights.
Despite the controversy, Trump and his campaign have tried to distance themselves from Project 2025. Trump has publicly disavowed any connection to the project, even calling into Fox & Friends to denounce Democrats for tying him to it. However, this attempt to create separation has often backfired, drawing more attention to the connections between Trump’s policies and those outlined in Project 2025. The Heritage Foundation’s Russell Vought, one of the authors of the project, has stated that Trump has ‘blessed’ their work and is ‘very supportive’ of it, further complicating Trump’s efforts to distance himself.
One of the most contentious aspects of Project 2025 is its secretive playbook for the first 180 days of a potential Trump administration. Unlike the publicly available policy agenda, this playbook has not been released, adding an element of mystery and suspicion. Undercover footage released in August revealed that the playbook is being kept hidden from the public, and the Heritage Foundation has not commented on whether it will be disclosed. This secrecy has only fueled Democratic concerns about the radical changes that could be implemented without public scrutiny.
The Democratic Party has sent a letter to the Heritage Foundation demanding more details about the playbook and calling for its public release. House Democrats have emphasized that when someone takes the time to draw up a detailed playbook, they intend to use it. This sentiment was echoed by Democratic nominee Tim Walz during his speech at the convention, where he stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential candidate, has criticized Democrats for using Project 2025 as a ‘boogeyman.’ He argues that the tactic is reminiscent of the Russian interference narrative from the 2016 election and believes it is not effective. Ramaswamy made a surprise appearance at the DNC, where he reiterated his stance that Trump’s policy vision is clear and that Democrats are overplaying their hand by focusing on Project 2025. He also pointed out that Vice President Kamala Harris has yet to present a similarly detailed policy agenda, suggesting that both candidates have a responsibility to clarify their positions to the American people.
The Democratic Party’s strategy of attacking Project 2025 has not been without its challenges. Think tanks on both sides routinely produce policy blueprints to further their priorities, but these documents usually do not have a major impact on elections. However, Project 2025 has attracted more attention and criticism than similar policy blueprints in the past. This raises questions about why it has become a significant issue now. Some analysts believe that the detailed and radical nature of the proposals, combined with the current polarized political climate, has made Project 2025 a focal point in the election discourse.
Data journalism has played a crucial role in uncovering the connections between Project 2025 and Trump’s policies. CBS News’ data journalism team found that over one-third of the project’s 735 proposals align with Trump’s previous policies and current promises. This investigation highlights the complex nature of politics and the nuances in policy proposals. It also raises questions about the origins of Trump’s policies and the influence of outside groups. Despite the campaign’s efforts to distance itself, the overlaps between Project 2025 and Trump’s policies may become a more significant issue as the election approaches.
Ultimately, the Democratic Party’s goal is to prevent Project 2025 from being implemented by electing their chosen candidates in November. They argue that the policies outlined in the conservative blueprint would have far-reaching and detrimental effects on the country. By raising awareness and using humor to highlight the seriousness of the project, the Democrats hope to galvanize voters and ensure that the radical changes proposed in Project 2025 never come to fruition. The battle over this policy agenda underscores the high stakes of the upcoming election and the stark differences between the visions offered by the two major parties.