During his 2024 campaign, President Donald Trump distanced himself from Project 2025, the controversial policy roadmap by the Heritage Foundation that outlined a right-wing ideological overhaul of the federal government. However, now back in office, a Time Magazine analysis reveals that nearly two-thirds of Trump’s executive orders draw inspiration from the initiative.
“When Project 2025 was published in April 2023, it was designed as a roadmap for a future Republican presidential administration, with the goal of reshaping the federal government in ways that align with conservative, free-market values,” wrote Time reporter Nik Popli. “The initiative’s agenda includes aggressive deregulation, curbs on immigration, challenges to civil-rights protections, and a substantial reduction of the federal workforce, all with the aim of reducing the size and scope of government while reasserting executive authority.”
While not every executive order this week aligns with Project 2025’s framework, Trump’s most controversial action—a directive to revoke birthright citizenship guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment—stands out. The move, already paused by a federal court in Seattle, highlights the administration’s willingness to push boundaries, even as it sparks fierce legal battles.
Nonetheless, many of Trump’s executive orders reflect Project 2025’s core goals. The initiative’s influence is particularly evident in areas like immigration reform, government restructuring, and sweeping deregulation. “Dozens of executive actions rolled out by the new administration reflect Project 2025’s core objectives,” the Time report stated.
The Trump administration’s staffing choices also signal a strong connection to Project 2025. Key figures who contributed to drafting the policy are being appointed to influential roles. Russell Vought, a prominent architect of the initiative, is set to lead the Office of Management and Budget, while Brendan Carr has been nominated to chair the Federal Communications Commission.
Despite the clear alignment between Trump’s actions and Project 2025, the White House denies any direct link. Responding to the Time report, a spokesperson stated, “Project 2025 did not inform any of the agenda. These executive orders simply delivered on the promises that earned [Trump] a resounding mandate from the American people—securing the border, restoring common sense, driving down inflation, and unleashing American energy.”
Trump’s embrace of Project 2025’s policies underscores a sharp pivot from his campaign rhetoric. While he publicly distanced himself from the Heritage Foundation’s sweeping vision, the administration’s early actions suggest the blueprint is quietly shaping his agenda. As Trump’s presidency unfolds, the degree to which Project 2025 influences his governance will likely remain a point of contention among critics and supporters alike.