Project 2025: Remaking America

The USA Today article examines the potential impact of Project 2025, a conservative plan developed by the Heritage Foundation, on the future of the federal workforce and the potential presidency of Donald Trump. The plan aims to reshape the executive branch by drastically reducing the size and scope of the federal government, replacing career civil servants with political appointees, and implementing policies aligned with a conservative agenda. Project 2025 proposes a significant reduction in the number of federal employees, particularly those deemed to be advancing liberal or progressive policies. This would be achieved through measures like attrition, hiring freezes, and potentially mass firings. The rationale is to eliminate perceived "deep state" resistance and ensure the federal bureaucracy is responsive to the president's policies. A core component of the plan involves reclassifying many federal employees, particularly those in policy-making roles, as Schedule F employees. This designation, created briefly during Trump's presidency but quickly rescinded by President Biden, allows for easier firing of federal employees deemed to be underperforming or not aligned with the administration's political goals. Proponents argue this is necessary to ensure accountability, while critics warn it could lead to politicization of the civil service and weaken its independence. The article highlights concerns that Project 2025 seeks to dismantle key functions of various federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Education. The plan envisions rolling back regulations related to climate change, environmental protection, and social justice, and shifting power away from federal agencies to states and private entities. Specifically, the article points to proposed changes that would weaken environmental regulations, limit the authority of the EPA, and prioritize fossil fuel production. In education, the plan advocates for policies promoting school choice, reducing federal oversight of curriculum, and emphasizing traditional American values. At the Department of Justice, the plan aims to curtail investigations into alleged wrongdoing by political allies of the president and prioritize law enforcement initiatives aligned with conservative priorities. The article emphasizes the potential for a significant shift in the balance of power within the federal government under Project 2025. By centralizing authority in the executive branch and reducing the influence of career civil servants, the plan could give a president unprecedented control over the implementation of federal policies. The piece also discusses the role of organizations like the Heritage Foundation and the Conservative Partnership Institute in developing and promoting Project 2025. These groups are actively recruiting and training individuals to serve in key positions within the executive branch, preparing for a potential conservative administration. The aim is to ensure that a future president has a ready pool of loyal appointees who are committed to implementing the Project 2025 agenda. Finally, the article raises concerns about the potential for political interference in scientific research and data analysis under Project 2025. Critics worry that the plan could prioritize political considerations over scientific evidence, leading to biased policy decisions in areas such as public health and environmental protection. The article underscores the potential for the plan to reshape the federal government in profound ways, impacting a wide range of policy areas and potentially altering the relationship between the government and the American people. Full story here: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/03/02/doge-musk-trump-federal-worker-cuts/81057344007/