Trump’s Early Executive Actions Align Closely with Project 2025/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Despite publicly disavowing Project 2025, President Donald Trump’s first-week executive actions have closely followed its policy recommendations. An analysis found that over two-thirds of Trump’s 53 executive orders align with the conservative plan’s 922-page blueprint. His early moves include cracking down on immigration, rolling back environmental protections, and eliminating diversity and inclusion programs. Trump’s administration, however, insists it has “nothing to do” with Project 2025, while key figures behind the initiative, such as Paul Dans and Russ Vought, now hold top government positions. As Trump continues shaping federal policy, Project 2025’s influence remains a central political debate.
Trump’s Executive Actions: Quick Look
- 36 of Trump’s 53 executive orders align with Project 2025’s agenda.
- Immigration policies match Project 2025’s proposals, including cutting aid to non-compliant countries.
- Trump revoked 67 Biden-era executive orders, as recommended in the conservative blueprint.
- Project 2025 authors hold key positions in Trump’s administration.
- Trump signed orders rolling back environmental protections and limiting diversity programs.
- The White House denies ties to Project 2025, despite extensive policy overlap.
Trump’s Early Executive Actions Align Closely with Project 2025
Trump’s Executive Orders and Project 2025: A Deep Look
Trump’s Policies Mirror Project 2025’s Blueprint
President Donald Trump has repeatedly distanced himself from Project 2025, claiming he has “never read it”. However, investigation found that his early policy moves strongly align with the conservative think tank’s proposals.
- Immigration crackdowns, such as blocking federal grants to sanctuary cities.
- Revoking diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
- Reducing foreign aid to nations that don’t align with U.S. interests.
- Rolling back environmental restrictions on drilling and energy production.
Project 2025 Figures Hold Key Positions in Trump’s Administration
While Trump denies involvement with Project 2025, his cabinet and leadership picks tell a different story. Several key figures who contributed to Project 2025’s “Mandate for Leadership” blueprint now hold senior government roles:
- Russ Vought (Director of the Office of Management and Budget) wrote Project 2025’s section on fiscal policy, which previewed Trump’s federal spending freeze.
- Tom Homan (White House border czar) contributed to the immigration policy framework.
- John Ratcliffe (CIA Director) co-authored national security strategies.
- Brendan Carr (FCC Chairman) wrote an entire chapter on telecommunications policy.
Trump’s Most Controversial Moves Align with the Plan
- Trump’s crackdown on deportation enforcement matches Project 2025’s call for harsh penalties on countries refusing to accept deportees—a policy seen in his recent confrontation with Colombia.
- His rollback of environmental regulations aligns with Project 2025’s push to open up drilling sites, including reopening Alaska to oil exploration.
- His administration’s move to restructure FEMA follows Project 2025’s recommendation that disaster relief be shifted to state governments.
Trump Goes Beyond Project 2025 in Some Areas
While Trump’s policies generally align with Project 2025, some exceed even its recommendations:
- Declaring Mexican drug cartels as terrorist groups—not explicitly suggested in Project 2025.
- Expanding federal execution guidelines, surpassing the plan’s call to restart capital punishment.
- Pausing a TikTok ban, despite Project 2025 labeling the app a national security risk.
Democrats and Critics Sound the Alarm
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has repeatedly attacked Trump’s ties to Project 2025, sending over 50 press releases referencing the plan. They argue that his appointments and policies indicate a coordinated effort to reshape the federal government in a more extreme conservative direction.
