Key Takeaways
• Project 2025 still holds dozens of policy goals for Trump’s second term.
• Plans include education tests, abortion drug bans, and a new border agency.
• The Heritage Foundation blueprint aims to reshape agencies and limit rights.
• Many items await action in 2026, despite Trump’s past distancing.
What is Project 2025?
Project 2025 is a detailed plan by the Heritage Foundation. It lays out more than 920 pages of policy ideas. These ideas target federal agencies and many parts of daily life. Experts and former officials shaped the roadmap. They want to limit executive branch checks, cut back agency power, and push new conservative rules.
Goals Left in Project 2025
After a busy first year, the White House still has work to do. From education to abortion rules, Project 2025 lists dozens of steps. Yet most of these remain untouched. In the coming year, Trump’s team could tackle:
• Overhauling how schools teach and test students
• Banning certain abortion drugs and limiting services
• Creating a cabinet-level border and immigration agency
• Removing an intelligence office seen as political
• Launching a Parents’ Bill of Rights for public schools
Education Changes Ahead
One big push is reshaping public schools. For example, Project 2025 would require all students in federally funded schools to take the military’s ASVAB test. Supporters say this gives career direction. Critics say it forces children into military paths. Furthermore, the plan seeks to block extra funding for disabled students. It would also set strict rules for any district that takes federal money.
Moreover, the Parents’ Bill of Rights could let families challenge local school leaders on topics like books and lessons. These changes aim to shift power from district offices back to parents and Washington. However, teachers’ unions warn this could hamper classroom flexibility.
Health and Abortion Moves
Another focus is women’s health services. Project 2025 calls for removing the “week-after pill” from federal guidelines. It also seeks to ban chemical abortion drugs approved by the FDA. If enacted, clinics could lose funding if they provide these medicines. This move follows broader efforts to limit reproductive rights across several states.
Meanwhile, the plan wants to wipe out federal funds for any program linked to abortion counseling. Critics say such bans risk women’s safety and privacy. Yet supporters believe these steps will curb abortions nationwide.
Immigration and Border Plans
Project 2025 proposes sweeping immigration changes. It would create a new cabinet-level border and immigration agency. That agency would centralize all enforcement and asylum decisions. In addition, it calls for eliminating the Office of Intelligence and Analysis. Republicans argue that office was “weaponized” for political ends.
Furthermore, the plan suggests tougher requirements for migrants and asylum seekers. It pushes for quick deportations and stricter document checks. On the other hand, immigrant rights groups warn these rules could violate due process and fuel family separations.
More Bold Changes
Beyond schools and borders, Project 2025 outlines a wide range of policies. For instance, it aims to outlaw pornography at the federal level. It also pushes to fully commercialize the National Weather Service, meaning private firms would handle weather forecasts. Such a shift could reduce free public access to critical forecasts.
Another proposal would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act. It would require employers to pay workers “time and a half” for work on Sundays. Supporters say this honors religious traditions. However, business groups worry about added labor costs.
Will Trump Push These Plans?
Despite his earlier comments, many Project 2025 policies quietly moved forward. In July 2024, Trump claimed he knew nothing about the plan on his social platform. He called parts of it “ridiculous” and “abysmal.” Yet his administration enacted several measures that mirror the blueprint.
For example, the push to recognize only two genders in federal programs already began in 2025. Other agency realignments and funding cuts followed too. So even without formal approval, the blueprint’s footprint grows. As 2026 begins, observers will watch which items make the final cut.
What to Watch in 2026
Looking ahead, every branch of government will face decisions on these proposals. Congress must approve many steps, like creating a new cabinet agency. Courts could block rules that overstep legal boundaries. Meanwhile, activists on both sides plan campaigns to support or stop these changes.
Furthermore, public opinion will play a big role. School boards, health providers, and border communities may push back or cheer on new measures. Ultimately, the next year could turn Project 2025 ideas into reality—or face major roadblocks.
FAQs
What is Project 2025 and who created it?
Project 2025 is a policy roadmap from the Heritage Foundation. It offers over 920 pages of conservative proposals for federal agencies.
Which parts of Project 2025 might appear in 2026?
Key items include new school testing rules, abortion drug bans, a cabinet-level border agency, and an expanded Parents’ Bill of Rights.
Did Trump ever reject Project 2025?
Yes. In mid-2024, he said he knew nothing about it and disagreed with many ideas. Despite that, his administration advanced similar policies.
How could Project 2025 affect everyday life?
If enacted, it could reshape public education, limit reproductive services, change labor rules, and alter how weather data is shared.