Key Takeaways:
- Donald Trump promised major changes during his 2024 campaign.
- Some of his promises have been kept, while others remain incomplete.
- His actions are being compared to Project 2025 from the Heritage Foundation.
- Several of his policies mirror Project 2025’s conservative goals.
Did Trump Follow Through on His 2024 Campaign Promises?
Donald Trump ran a bold 2024 campaign filled with big promises to reshape America. Now, with some of those promises on the books and others still waiting, many people are asking: Has Trump really followed through? Let’s break down what’s been done so far, what hasn’t, and how his actions compare to the vision laid out in Project 2025.
What are Trump’s most important 2024 promises?
In his 2024 presidential run, Trump focused heavily on law and order, strict immigration policies, rebuilding the economy, and taking a hard stance against China. He also promised to clean out the federal government, cut unnecessary spending, and bring back traditional American values.
Here are some key promises he made:
- Build a larger border wall and enforce stricter immigration laws
- Remove what he calls “deep state actors” from the government
- Strengthen the economy through tax cuts and deregulation
- Expand energy production and end reliance on foreign oil
- Restore traditional values in schools and communities
- Lower crime rates through tougher law enforcement
Let’s see what he’s done so far and what’s still in progress.
Trump’s progress on immigration and the border
Immigration was a major focus for Trump during his campaign, and it’s also one of the areas where we’ve seen the most movement. According to statements and actions from his administration, construction on the southern border wall is continuing with renewed funding. Enforcement of immigration laws has reportedly increased, with more deportations and tighter entry rules.
However, not all of his immigration goals have been met. The proposed plan to deport all undocumented immigrants in the country has faced legal challenges and resistance. And the costs tied to ramping up border enforcement remain an issue of debate, even among conservatives.
How does this align with Project 2025?
Project 2025, championed by the Heritage Foundation, outlines a hardline approach to immigration — something Trump appears to be following closely. The project suggests gaining tighter control over the nation’s borders and reforming how immigration cases are handled. Trump’s policies match most of these goals, though full implementation is still underway.
Cleaning up the federal government
Trump often talks about draining the swamp, and in 2024, he made more promises to remove career bureaucrats and reduce government control. Recently, executive orders have targeted certain federal employees, making it easier to fire workers considered uncooperative or unproductive.
Though these orders mark progress, removing large groups of employees isn’t easy. Civil service rules and labor unions create legal barriers, making it difficult to act quickly. Still, these steps show that Trump’s administration is actively working toward this promise.
Project 2025’s vision also includes major administrative changes, like giving more direct power to the President and reducing agency independence. Trump’s latest orders suggest he is moving in this direction as well.
The economic front: Tax cuts and deregulation
Trump campaigned on reviving the economy with tax breaks and less red tape for businesses. His administration has already pushed for another round of corporate and personal tax cuts, though Congress has not fully approved them yet.
He also signed several orders to roll back climate regulations, giving more freedom to energy producers and manufacturers. These moves are designed to boost job creation and lower energy prices — both central pieces of his economic plan.
That said, some experts believe the long-term effects of these actions remain uncertain, especially as inflation and global market shifts continue to impact American families.
Once again, this ties back to Project 2025’s economic goals. The plan calls for a strong free-market approach, fewer government restrictions, and energy independence — matching much of Trump’s agenda.
Restoring traditional values
Trump pledged to bring “American values” back into public spaces, especially schools. This includes increasing local control of education, banning certain race and gender-related topics, and promoting patriotic education.
Several state-level bills have followed this lead, influenced in part by Trump’s guidance and support. While not all of these policies are federal, Trump has used his influence to encourage state action aligned with his values.
This is also in sync with Project 2025, which emphasizes faith, family, education, and promoting an American-first culture.
Crime and policing
Fighting crime was another key campaign promise. Trump promised stronger support for local police and increased funding for criminal justice agencies. Under his administration, grants to police departments were reinstated, and new federal programs were launched to target violent crime in major cities.
Critics argue crime is driven by complex social issues, including poverty and unemployment, and that the focus on enforcement won’t solve everything. However, Trump and his supporters believe these steps will place power back in the hands of police and improve public safety.
Promises still waiting to be fulfilled
While Trump has taken action on many fronts, some promises remain unfulfilled. Here are a few still in progress or facing setbacks:
- Full repeal of Obamacare remains unmet, though efforts are ongoing.
- Term limits for Congress members were floated but haven’t gained traction.
- A national voter ID law is still in the planning stages.
- A complete digital currency ban — part of some speeches — has not begun legislatively.
How much does Project 2025 influence Trump’s policies?
It seems clear that Project 2025 has made an impression on Trump’s 2024 strategy. Although the Trump camp has not officially adopted the full plan, many of his latest actions overlap with what the project recommends.
The Heritage Foundation’s plan includes rooting out long-term government employees, expanding executive power, and realigning federal agency priorities — all areas where Trump is taking steps. In many ways, his White House seems to be using Project 2025 as a roadmap for action.
So, has Trump delivered on his promises?
Trump has made progress with several of his major campaign promises, especially around immigration, deregulation, policing, and reshaping federal agencies. However, not every pledge has been fully kept — and many face resistance from courts, Congress, and the public.
By aligning closely with Project 2025, Trump is following a well-organized guide for conservative reform. Whether all promised changes can be completed in his term remains to be seen.
FAQs:
What is Project 2025 and how is it connected to Trump?
Project 2025 is a conservative agenda from the Heritage Foundation designed to reshape the federal government. Many of Trump’s 2024 promises follow this plan closely, though he hasn’t officially endorsed it.
Has Trump finished the border wall?
Trump has restarted construction on the southern border wall, but it’s not fully complete. More funding and time will be needed to finish the entire plan.
Did Trump cut taxes again in 2025?
He has proposed new tax cuts, especially for businesses and individuals, but they haven’t been finalized yet by Congress.
Is Trump removing government workers like he said?
He has signed actions to make it easier to fire certain federal workers. Still, many legal limits exist, so progress is slower than promised.