Project 2025: The Latest Plot Against America

Trump Administration Attacks Education, Echoing Project 2025 Blueprint"

The Trump administration has signaled plans to shut down the U.S. Department of Education. This mimics the plans outlined in section 3 chapter 11 of Project 2025:

 “Federal education policy should be limited and, ultimately, the federal Department of Education should be eliminated” (p. 319). 

Trump plans to cut programs and staff via executive orders and call on Congress to close the department entirely—despite 87.3% of Americans benefiting from the program. 

The Trump administration is reportedly drafting an executive order which would eliminate the DOE. 

The proposed cuts to the Department of Education would have significant and far-reaching effects on Americans, particularly students and families. These cuts would impact various aspects of education, from K-12 to higher education, and disproportionately affect low-income communities.

K-12 Education

School districts are already bracing for potential federal funding cuts, which could lead to larger class sizes for your kids, fewer resources, and reduced support for vulnerable students.

 
  • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that ensures students with disabilities get the specialized education and services they need in public schools. Right now, the federal government helps fund these programs, so schools have resources like special education teachers, therapists, and assistive technology to support students with disabilities.
 
  • If IDEA funding were turned into block grants or a private school choice program, it could mean less funding and fewer protections for the 7.5 million students who rely on these services. Here’s what that could look like:
 
    • Block Grants: Instead of guaranteeing funding based on need, the government would give states a set amount of money, which might not grow even if more students need help. Schools might have to cut back on special education services, leaving students without the support they need.
 
    • Private School Choice Program: Some funding could be redirected to private schools through vouchers or similar programs. But private schools aren’t required to follow IDEA like public schools are. That means students with disabilities might lose key legal protections, like the right to individualized education plans (IEPs) and necessary accommodations.  
      • This private school voucher program lets families use public funds for private schools. Wealthy urban families would benefit most since they have plenty of private school options, while rural communities, with fewer choices, could see their public schools lose funding and weaken. 
 
  • Changing IDEA’s funding structure could mean less support for students with disabilities, making it harder for them to succeed in school and beyond.
 
  • Head Start programs, which provide vital childcare and preschool education for low-income children, are facing funding delays that threaten their ability to stay open. These programs have been unable to access federal funds, impacting staff pay and the ability to cover essential expenses like utilities.

Higher Education

  • Federal student loan programs at risk: If the management of the $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio is transferred to the Treasury Department, borrowers might experience changes in loan servicing, repayment options, or customer service.

  • Higher education could become more expensive and less accessible for families.

Civil Rights and Accountability

  • The Office for Civil Rights may be moved to the Department of Justice, potentially weakening its ability to protect students against discrimination based on race, gender, and disability.

 

  • The absence of strong federal oversight could leave millions of students vulnerable to discrimination, leading to lower levels of motivation and academic achievement.
 
  • Cuts to the Education Department’s Institute of Education Sciences, which tracks the progress of American students, could hurt the accountability of the education system.

Economic Impact

  • In states that heavily rely on federal education funding, many of which voted for Trump, the cuts could lead to teacher layoffs, larger class sizes, and reduced support for vulnerable students.
    • In 2022, school districts in Mississippi, South Dakota, and Arkansas relied the most on federal funding.

 

  • These proposed cuts would significantly alter the educational landscape in the United States, potentially widening existing disparities and making quality education less accessible for many Americans.

Trump Administration Threatens Worker Protections, Union Relations and Safety Regulations

Section 3 Chapter 18 of Project 2025 proposes significant changes to labor laws and worker rights that would substantially weaken unions and worker protections. 

 

Impact on Federal workers

 

Health and Safety Regulations

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is undergoing significant changes under the Trump administration. These changes have involved a focus on deregulation and reduced enforcement. 

 

  • OSHA’s enforcement efforts are being restructured by the administration, leading to fewer on-site inspections and regulations.
  • OSHA is focusing more on helping businesses follow safety rules rather than strictly enforcing them. Instead of heavy penalties, it’s promoting voluntary programs and guidance to encourage compliance.
  • OSHA inspections have been shown to prevent injuries and save lives. With fewer inspections, workers face a higher risk of accidents and health hazards in the workplace—especially in high-risk industries like construction and manufacturing. . For veteran workers, who may already face health challenges from their service, weaker safety enforcement could put them at even greater risk on the job.

 

Worker’s Unions and Labor Relations

The Trump administration is significantly impacting workers unions and labor relations. Key changes include: 

  • Reversal of pro-union policies: Many pro-union policies implemented during the Biden administration are being reversed or are expected to be overturned. 
  • The administration is also making it harder for unions to be recognized without an election, potentially overturning decisions that allowed for easier union recognition
    • By requiring more hurdles for union recognition, workers—especially those in federal and blue-collar jobs—may struggle to advocate for fair treatment. For veteran workers, who often rely on union support for job security, healthcare benefits, and workplace accommodations, these changes could lead to lower wages, fewer protections, and a greater risk of exploitation by employers.

Following Project 2025’s plans, a next conservative administration will:

  • Cut overtime pay: Project 2025 would let bosses give workers time off instead of paying extra for overtime. The bosses would pick the time off, so workers would get less pay and lose control over their schedules. page 592
  • Weaken wage protection laws: Project 2025 asks Congress to let states skip national wage rules like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which sets rules for minimum wage and overtime. page 605
  • Make unemployment harder to get: Project 2025 would make it tougher for unemployed people to access unemployment pay, making it harder for people who need help. page 598 
  • Remove wage rules on federal jobs: Project 2025 wants Congress to end the Davis-Bacon Act. This law makes sure that workers on federal jobs get pay like other local workers. page 604
  • Putting children in dangerous jobs without their parents’ consent: Undermining parental rights, Project 2025 calls for allowing teenagers to work in “dangerous jobs.” page 595

States are already implementing Project 2025:

  • Texas: Filed a lawsuit to try to strike down a federal rule extending mandatory overtime pay to 4 million salaried workers.
  • Florida: Stripped local “living wage” laws that require Florida contractors to pay employees a wage that’s higher than the state’s minimum.
  • South Carolina: Banned public sector union members from  engaging in their right to collective bargaining.
  • Georgia: Is one of 13 states suing to stop the implementation of a Federal rule expanding the class of workers who receive financial compensation when they work overtime.

Trump's Tax Policy Changes and How They Will Impact You

Since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, several major tax changes have been proposed or implemented. Here’s what they mean for you and your wallet:

 

1. State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction Cap

What’s Changing? Trump has proposed eliminating the $10,000 cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions, which was put in place under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).

Who Benefits? Wealthier Americans would see significant tax cuts.

What’s the Impact? This would increase the federal deficit, potentially leading to cuts in public services or future tax hikes. 

 

2. Price Hikes from New Tariffs

Section 4 Chapter 26 of Project 2025 discusses the use of tariffs in its economic reform proposals. 

 

What’s Changing? Trump has proposed tariffs of up to 60% on imported goods.

How It Affects You: Higher import taxes mean higher prices on everyday goods, including:

 

According to the Peterson Institute for International Economics, these tariffs could cost the average American household over $2,600 per year. Middle and lower-income families will feel this impact the most, as rising costs may outstrip any tax savings they receive.

 

3. Corporate Tax Cuts—Big Savings for Big Business

What’s Changing? Trump and Republicans are pushing to slash corporate tax rates from 21% to as low as 15%. Their plan also simplifies the tax code by eliminating many deductions and credits for businesses.

Who Benefits? Large corporations and billionaires, as they pay less in taxes.

What’s the Impact? The lost tax revenue—estimated to increase the federal deficit by $4 trillion—could result in major cuts to programs like:

  • Medicaid (healthcare for low-income families)
  • Nutrition Assistance (food aid programs like SNAP)
  • Education Programs (student aid and public school funding)

If these tax breaks pass, the total cost could exceed $5 trillion over ten years, shifting money away from middle and lower-income Americans to benefit corporations and the ultra-wealthy.

Project 2025 calls for the following tax policy changes:

1. A consumption tax on all goods: Project 2025 calls for a consumption tax on all purchases. (page 698)

2. Income tax hikes: For taxpayers in the 10% or 12% tax rate brackets now, Project 2025 would raise the federal income tax rate to 15%. For taxpayers in the 22% and 24% tax rate brackets, Project 2025 would raise the federal income tax rate to 30%. (page 696)

Economists estimate that a middle-class family with two children and an annual income of $100,000 would pay $2,600 in additional federal income tax if they faced a 15% flat tax on their income due to the loss of the 10% and 12% tax brackets. By comparison, a married couple with two children and earnings of $5 million a year would enjoy a $325,000 tax cut.

3. Home mortgage taxes and interest rates will go up too: Project 2025 calls for eliminating the State And Local Tax deduction (SALT) and privatizing the government’s mortgage lending vehicles, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, estimated to cost the average homeowner around $1200 per year as mortgage rates go up. (pages 697, 706)

Project 2025 will raise your taxes to pay for big corporate tax cuts. Project 2025 calls for the following tax policy changes:​

Want more details on these bad tax plans? LEARN MORE HERE and HERE

Trump Administration Puts Veteran's Rights and Benefits at Risk

Project 2025’s authoritarian playbook would devastate our veteran community. ​

Recent Executive Orders Have Significantly Impacted Veterans

Section 3 Chapter 20 of Project 2025 suggests significant changes to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and veterans’ benefits. 

Recent executive orders have significantly impacted veterans, particularly those employed by or receiving care from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) 

 

  • The federal hiring freezes have affected the VA’s ability to fill critical roles. Additionally, over 1,000 new workers at the VA have been dismissed due to the recent layoffs. This could lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to care and benefits for veterans. 

 

  • An executive order eliminating remote work and mandating return to office has disrupted VA operations, having a direct impact on the provision of veteran benefits due to the fact that a large number of claims processors were hired in remote roles to implement a large expansion of benefits under the Honoring our PACT Act.

 

  •  Additionally, many of the highly trained workers who answer calls to the veteran crisis line face losing their jobs, affecting veterans in need of urgent assistance. 

 

  • Schedule F grants the VA the authority to reclassify numerous employees, including veterans, into a new category that lacks the civil service protections afforded to other federal employees. This leaves them vulnerable to termination if they refuse to show political allegiance to Trump.

The Project 2025 agenda would:

  1. Cut health coverage for veterans and reduce the quality of care they receive. Many veterans under 65 rely on Medicaid; Project 2025 calls for capping Medicaid funding to states and giving states the power to deny coverage of particular services. (page 467)
  2. Cut benefits for disabled veterans by reducing the number of health conditions that count for getting these benefits. This could mean some veterans might lose their benefits, and others who haven’t applied yet might not be able to get them at all. (page 649)
  3. Make it easier for scammers to prey on veterans by abolishing the CFPB, which helps protect veterans from financial scams and fraud. Veterans are top targets for claim sharks, identity theft, loans scams, and investment fraud, and since 2011, the CFPB has handled over 400,000 complaints from service members. The agency has also recovered $183 million for veterans who were harmed by these violations. (page 838)
  4. Exacerbate veteran homelessness by eliminating the “Housing First” policies that have helped thousands of homeless veterans get housing, drug treatment, and mental health care. Since 2008, this program has provided housing for over 81,000 veterans and could help 35,000 more. (page 509)
The number of veterans experiencing homelessness rose slightly even before the coronavirus pandemic

Source – Military Times

  1. Fire thousands of veteran civil servants: Project 2025 calls for the President to be able to fire thousands of federal workers who have served across administrations of both political parties. Veterans make up ~30% of the federal workforce, so mass firings of federal workers would mean firing many veterans, including: VA healthcare staff, CBP officers, national park service rangers, and DOD civilian employees. (page 535)

Veterans have served our country patriotically and deserve to be treated like the heroes they are. Project 2025 is the “worst case” scenario for veterans. 

Project 2025 calls to end the Essential Air Service (EAS), making travel more expensive and less convenient for Americans living in smaller towns and remote areas.

Endorsed by over 100 right-wing groups, Project 2025 is a blue-print for the next conservative administration to gut checks and balances in order to take control of our lives and to take away our rights and freedoms. 

WHAT IS THE EAS?

The EAS is a federal program established in 1978 to ensure that rural Americans have access to air travel, especially for essential needs like commuting to work opportunities, accessing medical appointments, or traveling for family emergencies. The EAS supports air service to around 175 rural communities, particularly those where commercial airlines would not typically operate. 

By providing millions of dollars in grants per airport annually, the EAS keeps commercial airlines serving key rural routes and keeps flight costs low for residents. Without these grants, many small-town airports could lose service altogether or close, forcing residents to drive long distances to larger airports or face unaffordable ticket prices.

WHERE DOES THE EAS OPERATE?

Routes from every EAS Airport in the lower 48 states

Routes from every EAS Airport in the lower 48 states, as of August 21, 2023. Source

WHAT DOES PROJECT 2025 SAY ABOUT THE EAS?

Project 2025 calls for ending the EAS program and for cutting the federal subsidies that help maintain affordable air travel options for rural Americans. The Heritage Foundation, the leading creator of Project 2025, has also called directly for ending the EAS in its 2023 Budget Blueprint. 

Eliminate the Transportation Department Air Service Program

Source – The Heritage Foundation 

WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF ELIMINATING THE EAS?

Experts warn that ending the EAS could lead to the closure of numerous small airports, leaving rural communities isolated and disconnected from the rest of the country. Without these subsidies, a round-trip flight that currently costs $200 could skyrocket, making it difficult for many families to afford necessary travel and limiting economic prosperity for rural regions. EAS services are vital for cites like Page, AZ who would otherwise rely on driving to Las Vegas, which is 4.5 hours away. 

HOW MUCH DOES EACH EAS AIRPORT STAND TO LOSE ANNUALLY?

Here’s how much each EAS airport stands to lose annually with Project 2025

Republicans in Congress have tried to end funding for the Essential Air Service before, with many members voting against the interest of the people they represent.

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