Project 2025 and the Expansion of Presidential Powers
Project 2025, spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation, outlines a vision of presidential authority that seeks to bring every federal agency under direct executive control, challenging the current structure of independent agencies and checks on presidential power. Heritage president Kevin Roberts argues that federal agencies operating independently of the president undermine the "foundation of our democratic republic."
Unitary Executive Theory
The foundation of Project 2025 lies in a radical interpretation of the unitary executive theory, which aims to centralize unprecedented control over the government within the White House. This controversial theory, long advocated by conservative justices and think tanks like the Federalist Society, suggests that all executive branch authority flows directly from the president. The Supreme Court has gradually embraced aspects of this theory, chipping away at precedents that previously limited executive power.
State Department Overhaul
Project 2025 proposes that all Department of State employees in leadership roles be dismissed by January 20, 2025. In their place, "acting" leaders, who would bypass Senate confirmation, would assume critical positions. Kiron Skinner, who authored the State Department chapter of Project 2025, argues that the department is predominantly left-leaning and requires a staff loyal to a conservative agenda, though she has not cited specific instances of obstruction by State Department employees.
Military Sales and Congressional Oversight
Under Project 2025, the president would gain the authority to sell military equipment to foreign nations without seeking Congressional approval, unless there is unanimous support. This change would further limit Congress's ability to check presidential decisions regarding foreign military relations.
Domestic Use of the Military and the Insurrection Act
The Washington Post reported that a second Trump administration, under Project 2025, would prioritize using the Insurrection Act of 1807 to deploy the military for domestic and immigration enforcement. Jeffrey Clark, a former DOJ official and current Project 2025 contributor, is reportedly leading this aspect. This plan allegedly includes using the DOJ to pursue individuals deemed disloyal to Trump or political opponents. However, a Heritage Foundation spokesperson denied that Project 2025 includes any explicit plans related to the Insurrection Act or targeting political adversaries.
Presidential Immunity and the Supreme Court's Role
In 2024, the Supreme Court decision in Trump v. United States granted broad immunity to presidents for actions taken in their official capacity. Several Project 2025 partners have praised this decision, which further empowers the president, reducing accountability for executive actions. This decision may serve as a foundation for the increased authority Project 2025 seeks to vest in the presidency.
Criticism and Potential Outcomes
Critics, including conservative scholars and policy experts, have labeled Project 2025's agenda as unrealistic and potentially destabilizing for the federal government. They argue that efforts to radically transform the bureaucracy could result in inefficiency, chaos, and a loss of expertise critical to the functioning of federal agencies.
Conclusion
Project 2025 envisions a radical shift in presidential power, aligning federal agencies closely with the executive branch and reducing Congressional oversight. The proposed framework seeks to redefine the role of the president, presenting a model that critics fear could lead to authoritarianism, undermining the democratic system's checks and balances.