On July 5, 2024, during his campaign, Donald Trump made a post on True Social expressing uncertainty about who is behind Project 2025. He criticized the nearly 900-page manifesto published by the Conservative Heritage Foundation in April 2023 for the next conservative administration’s plans to restructure the federal government, claiming that some of its concepts are “absolutely ridiculous and awful.”
Many voters seem unaware of Project 2025’s objectives, with some trusting Trump’s words and dismissing its intentions. Others, including non-MAGA supporters, either overlooked it or regarded it as exaggerated rhetoric meant to rally the base, assuming that such drastic changes couldn’t realistically happen, even if Trump were to return to the presidency.
Now, over six months into Trump’s second term, the Project 2025 roadmap for dismantling aspects of the U.S. government is said to be 47% complete, according to the Project 2025 Tracker, which is described as “a comprehensive, community-driven initiative to track the implementation of Project 2025 policy proposals.”
The tracker outlines 317 proposals in total, with 115 labeled as “complete.” These include significant actions such as disbanding the U.S. International Development Agency, prohibiting transgender individuals from military service, and funding for 100,000 detention beds.
A further 64 proposals are categorized as “ongoing,” which involve reducing government contracts with organizations linked to what they term the “woke agenda,” discontinuing certain protections for immigrant children, and limiting the focus on climate initiatives. There are also plans to remove discretion from local prosecutors in immigration cases, among other controversial moves.
The remaining 53%—or 138 proposals—are still pending action by the Trump administration.
Quoting Maya Angelou from 1997, there’s a reminder to heed the true nature of events as they unfold; as exhausting as the news cycle can be, it’s vital for Americans to stay informed, or risk being caught off guard.
According to the Project 2025 Tracker, ongoing policies include requiring schools that receive federal funding to administer military admissions tests to students, adding citizenship questions to the census, and retracting certain educational protections. Additionally, there are proposals that would allow teenagers to work in more hazardous jobs, among others.
Some observers argue that Trump can’t enact these changes without Congressional approval, while others believe many proposals are unconstitutional. Yet, the reality appears more complex; a Republican-led Congress has, at times, circumvented its constitutional duties in favor of Trump’s agenda. The Supreme Court’s conservative majority has similarly ignored foundational legal principles for the same end, leaving little hope for checks on these developments.
Some people might choose to downplay or even dismiss these issues, thinking that, if something troubling occurs, it won’t impact them. However, engaging with the Project 2025 Tracker could shift those perspectives. It certainly should.
Reflecting back to September 17, 1787, when Benjamin Franklin was asked whether the new governance was a republic or a monarchy, his response—”A republic, if you can keep it”—resonates today. Franklin’s warning of a potential descent into tyranny due to corruption warrants consideration, especially in these trying times.
More citizens seem to be recognizing a looming constitutional crisis, albeit feeling somewhat helpless in responding to it. This feeling is understandable but concerning.
Ultimately, change is never a guarantee, and doing nothing results in stagnation. It’s essential, at the very least, to make an effort.
