What to expect on Trump's first day as president, per Project 2025

Project 2025 outlines anticipated actions for Trump’s first day as president, focusing on significant policy shifts and executive orders. Expect immediate changes aimed at reshaping the administration’s priorities, including potential reforms and directives that will set the tone for Trump's presidency. This overview provides insight into the strategic moves planned to impact government and national policies from day one.

As Trump recites the final words of the oath of office, "so help me God," the initial phase of what the authors of Project 2025 refer to as "the playbook" will commence.

A Chilling Preview of Trump's Presidency: Project 2025's Dark Vision

In late January 2025, Washington DC is gripped by the cold of winter as Donald Trump takes the oath of office for a third time, despite losing the popular vote. His narrow electoral victory ushers in the policies outlined in Project 2025, a comprehensive blueprint crafted by the Heritage Foundation. This plan includes a database of conservative personnel poised to implement its sweeping agenda.

The Project 2025 Playbook Unfolds

With Republicans holding slim majorities in Congress, Trump’s presidency quickly moves to enact Project 2025's policies. As he concludes the oath with “so help me God,” the first phase of the playbook begins, marking a significant shift in federal governance.

Phase One: Staffing and Agency Overhaul

The initial move involves a massive overhaul of the federal workforce. Thousands of non-partisan civil servants, including regulators, disaster relief coordinators, and researchers, are abruptly dismissed. Entire federal agencies and programs are dismantled, replaced by staff from conservative think tanks or right-wing activists. This shift marks a departure from traditional hiring practices to one dominated by political cronyism.

Phase Two: Enforcement and Deportation

The second phase introduces aggressive enforcement measures. Under the direction of Stephen Miller, a new deportation force is established, utilizing law enforcement from various levels. The focus is on blue states and cities, creating an atmosphere of fear. Detention centers are set up for mass deportations, targeting nearly a million immigrants who lose their legal protections. The administration also reinstates the Muslim ban and terminates DACA.

Further Agenda Items

Over the following months, Project 2025's agenda progresses with sweeping changes:

• Tax Cuts and Funding Cuts: Corporate tax reductions are implemented, public broadcasting receives no federal support, and Head Start programs are eliminated, leaving many without preschool or childcare.
• Education and Social Services: The Department of Education is disbanded, halting funding for programs like Title I and services for students with disabilities. Public sector unions and anti-poverty programs face severe cuts.
• Criminalization and Restrictions: New laws criminalize pornography, abortion, and many reproductive health services, while public sector unions and labour organizing rights are largely eliminated.

Hyperbole Versus Reality

While Trump’s rhetoric often blurs the line between performance and policy, Project 2025’s plans are stark and unsettling. Detailed plans for deportation and dismantling public services have been discussed at right-wing conferences, with promises of violence, retribution, and the establishment of a Christian nationalist agenda. Observations of right-wing media and growing support for extreme conservative views further validate these concerns.

Contradictions and Challenges

Despite the conservative celebration of their unified philosophy, Project 2025's agenda reflects a lack of coherence. Policies driven by greed and discrimination undermine genuine public welfare and ignore the crises faced by many Americans. The agenda's unpopularity highlights a disconnect between its goals and public opinion.

Resisting the Authoritarian Threat

In response to the impending crisis, it is crucial to expose the real-world impacts of Project 2025's policies. This comprehensive plan is not mere political theater but a significant threat to millions. While acknowledging the dangers, it’s essential to avoid succumbing to fatalism or defending a decaying liberalism. Instead, efforts must focus on rebuilding public institutions and addressing economic injustices. By fostering social connection and meaningful opportunities, we can counter the rise of authoritarianism and uphold human dignity.

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Source: theguardian‍