Trump claims he knows nothing about it – then why does it mirror so many of his policies?
Heading to the Polls
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If Donald Trump wins the presidential election in November, what will happen?
According to recent whispers, his administration will abide by Project 2025, a transition plan full of far-right policies.
But it’s not that simple…
Project What?
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Project 2025, drawn up by conservative think-tank the Heritage Foundation and over 100 right-wing organizations, is a road map intended to lead the Republican administration.
A Lot of Reading
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Titled ‘Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise’, it’s a 900-page document detailing various policy proposals for major federal agencies.
Approved by Trump?
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Although Trump’s name is not mentioned in the document, many key players involved in its conception have either been part of his administration in the past or have close connections to the Trump team.
Does it Mention Climate Change?
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Yes, Project 2025 calls for a “whole-of-government unwinding” of the Biden administration’s efforts to fight climate change.
Among the proposals included are ending subsidies for wind- and solar power, removing energy-efficiency standards for appliances, and prioritizing fossil gas and -oil.
What Else?
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In addition, the document also intends to dismantle the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), eliminate the Clean Energy Corps (whose job it is to study, develop, and organize solutions to climate change), plus prohibit that greenhouse-gas emissions be considered when it comes to approving gas pipelines and liquefied natural-gas export facilities.
The Paris Agreement
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Let’s skip back 9 years.
In 2015, an international treaty called ‘The Paris Agreement’ was adopted to address climate change’s impact. The agreement proposes a goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Going Green
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To help reach the goal, various policies were adopted to address how businesses and governments diminish and report GHG emissions.
Additionally, the agreement also emphasizes funding for climate change initiatives and how it impacts the economy.
In or Out?
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The treaty was signed by the US in 2015.
In 2020, then-President Trump withdrew from the US treaty, only for President Biden to rejoin it the next year.
Trump on Climate Change
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Trump has incessantly denied climate change and its effects, and this document intends to reverse some of the government’s recent decisions regarding the topic.
Keep Drilling
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Trump has also repeatedly promised to speed up the US’ oil- and gas production, which are already at record levels, chiming “drill, baby, drill” at various rallies.
Too Much Power?
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Critics have pointed out that the fossil fuel industry will have the power to decide on several of the government’s environmental policies.
Trump on Project 2025
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Trump has tried to distance himself from the document, posting on Truth Social on July 5th: “I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it.”
All False
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He also mentioned that various flaws were found in the document. Meanwhile, his team has dismissed it as an effort by the Biden side to spread fake news.
Okay, But…
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It’s worth mentioning that many of Project 2025’s main proposals reflect a lot of the policies outlined in Trump’s Agenda 47.
And not only were the top directors of the transition plan (including Paul Dans, Spencer Chretien, and Troup Hemenway) part of the Trump administration, but many of the Mandate’s authors are Trump alumni as well.
Project 2025 and Republicans’ Opinions
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According to Florida Sen. Marco Rubio’s comments to CNN’s “State of the Union” last Sunday, “It’s the work of a think tank, of a center-right think tank, and that’s what think tanks do”.
Rubio also added that Trump’s message to voters is aimed at “restoring common sense, working-class values, and making our decisions on the basis of that”.
Trump to Decide?
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In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press”, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance stated that organizations will have good ideas and bad ideas.
“It’s a 900-page document,” he said on Sunday. “I guarantee there are things that Trump likes and dislikes about that 900-page document. But he is the person who will determine the agenda of the next administration”.
And What About Democrats?
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President Biden has accused Trump of lying about his connections to Project 2025. In a statement, he claimed that the agenda was written for Trump, that it “should scare every single American.”, and that Project 2025 “will destroy America.”
That’s a “No”
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South Carolina’s representative Jim Clyburn, and one of Biden’s closest allies, said on Monday: “Project 2025, that’s my only concern,” and “I don’t want you or my granddaughter to live under that government”.
Now We Wait
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After Trump’s been attempting to distance himself from the project, a spokesperson has noted how they have recurrently stated they are not speaking on behalf of any specific candidate and “it is ultimately up to that president, who we believe will be President Trump, to decide which recommendations to implement”.
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