If Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are the stars of this week’s Democratic National Convention, Project 2025 is definitely making a cameo.
Democrats projected “Project 2025 HQ” on Trump Tower, and a Michigan state senator brought a copy of the 922-page book on stage. Here’s what to know about the plan.
What is Project 2025?
The Heritage Foundation outlined a plan to expand presidential power if former President Donald Trump wins in November.
It’s not new for the conservative think tank: The group has been publishing these “Mandates for Leadership” for conservative presidents since 1980.
Project 2025 is different though — it’s not only longer but more extreme. The wishlist includes:
- Eliminating the Department of Education.
- Rejecting federal probes into police abuse.
- Reclassifying civil servants as political appointees, so they can be more easily fired.
Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow holds up a Project 2025 book at the Democratic National Convention Monday. (Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty)
Project 2025 in Illinois
Gov. JB Pritzker has repeatedly committed to making Illinois a safe haven for reproductive rights in the wake of the Roe v. Wade reversal.
But could that change if Project 2025 is adopted? The plan calls for the FDA to revoke its approval of abortion pills and to crack down on “abortion tourism,” when pregnant people travel across state lines for abortions. A spokesperson for the Cook County GOP told WTTW concerns were overblown given how strong state laws are.
Is Trump on Board?
The former president has distanced himself from Project 2025, saying he “knows nothing” and it shouldn’t be associated with the campaign.
That’s despite CNN reporting at least 140 former Trump administration staffers being involved and ProPublica revealing dozens of people featured in Project 2025 training videos have previously worked for Trump.
Regardless, More Project 2025 Talk Ahead …
Project 2025 has become a talking point in Harris’ stump speeches, and the VP is set to take the stage Thursday to accept the nomination. And then about 75 more days until the general election 🫠
