Project 2025: How closely is Trump sticking to this right-wing manifesto?
Feb 12, 2025
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Investigative reporter Andy Kroll from ProPublica delves into the intriguing implications of Project 2025, the right-wing manifesto tied to Trump's administration. He uncovers how Trump's current actions echo the controversial proposals, including a push against diversity initiatives and threats to public broadcasting. Kroll also highlights the strategies behind a potential second Trump term and examines the role of significant figures like Russell Vogt. The discussion sheds light on the growing influence of the Heritage Foundation and its impact on American politics.
Project 2025 represents a strategic and organized approach to a potential Trump presidency, designed to avoid the chaos of his first term.
The Heritage Foundation plays a crucial role in advancing radical conservative policies, including the proposed downsizing of federal agencies and attacking independent media.
Deep dives
The Development of Project 2025
Project 2025 serves as a comprehensive blueprint for a potential second term of Donald Trump, aimed at avoiding the chaos experienced during his initial administration. After the disorganized start in 2017, a consortium led by the Heritage Foundation devised this extensive manifesto to provide structure and direction to a future Trump presidency. This document not only outlines policy agendas but also emphasizes training and recruitment of personnel, creating an 'administration in waiting' to implement the plan swiftly if Trump regains the presidency. The level of preparation and coordination seen in Project 2025 signifies a concerted effort to learn from past mistakes and ensure a more effective governance model.
Influence of the Heritage Foundation
The Heritage Foundation has emerged as the central force driving the conservative agenda in Washington, shaping many policies under Trump. Through Project 2025, it mobilizes extensive resources and influences hundreds of affiliated organizations, working towards a unified conservative strategy. Key figures associated with Project 2025, such as Russell Vogt and Stephen Miller, play pivotal roles in formulating and advocating for radical ideas, including those aimed at expanding presidential powers. This collective power highlights the Foundation's significant role in reorienting the conservative movement towards a more extreme, Trump-aligned stance.
Dismantling Federal Agencies
One of the defining aims of Project 2025 is the downsizing or abolishment of various federal agencies, marking a significant shift in governmental structure. The proposal to reform organizations like FEMA targets a decentralization of authority, pushing the funding responsibility down to state and local levels, which could undermine national responses to emergencies. This strategy reflects a broader philosophy that views the federal government as overreaching, advocating for a privatized approach to governance. The ramifications of such policies would set the stage for further erosion of federal involvement in critical areas like education and emergency management.
Shifts in Media and Intelligence Oversight
As Project 2025 gains traction, it includes controversial plans to diminish the role and funding of public broadcasters and media outlets, which could undermine independent journalism. Efforts to cut public funding from organizations like NPR reflect a wider agenda to reshape how news is consumed and controlled, particularly as it relates to government scrutiny. Concurrently, a purge within intelligence and law enforcement agencies is reportedly underway, targeting employees tied to investigations of the January 6th insurrection. This atmosphere of intimidation and the targeting of government employees signal a dramatic departure from traditional norms of governance and accountability.
Trump denied links to Project 2025, the right-wing manifesto for a conservative president, throughout his campaign. But despite this, many of his actions in office so far have looked familiar to those who read the document. To discuss how closely he’s following it, Gavin Esler speaks to Andy Kroll from ProPublica, who’s been diving into the connections and their implications.
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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.