For much of this year, Project 2025 has been portrayed by Democrats as a significant concern regarding former President Donald Trump’s potential impact on American society. The comprehensive document, "Mandate for Leadership," extends over 900 pages and was developed by the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation. It presents a diverse array of ideas from more than 100 organizations, characterized more by themes such as China, "wokeness," climate denial, and a focus on reducing the role of federal agencies rather than any consistent policy agenda. The document includes plans aimed at reshaping America’s technology policies but lacks consensus among its authors.

Donald Trump has reportedly tried to distance himself from this policy blueprint, but connections persist. Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, is closely associated with Kevin Roberts, the president of the Heritage Foundation, and Vance penned the introduction to Roberts’ imminent book, "Dawn’s Early Light." Parts of the Project 2025 document were penned by individuals who were part of Trump’s former administration, including FCC commissioner Brendan Carr and former Department of Homeland Security official Ken Cuccinelli.

Should Trump secure a presidency, it is anticipated that some of Project 2025’s recommendations might be adopted, although it is unclear which ones. Among the most contentious proposals, such as a ban on pornography, the document lacks detailed explanations. It recommends contradictory actions regarding tech firms, urging both opposition and collaboration. Kevin Roberts, speaking at the Reboot Conference in San Francisco in September, compared the plan’s variety to a Cheesecake Factory menu, where no single individual agrees with every item.

The content outlined in the Mandate tackles a fundamental transformation of the US’s approach to government, with proposals for expanded governmental power to target perceived adversaries in the tech industry, remove potential dissenters within federal agencies, and fulfill various right-wing objectives, such as increased deportations and a national abortion ban. Simultaneously, there is a push towards extensive deregulation and the reduction of social service funding.

Federal Trade Commission

Adam Candeub, a law professor at Michigan State University who served in telecommunications positions under Trump, authored the section on FTC guidelines, which expose a conservative dichotomy towards technology. The recommendations do not propose clear policies but rather suggest two opposing strategies: robust antitrust enforcement to dismantle monopolies and a more reserved approach with minimal intervention.

Some of the suggestions for action involve utilizing the FTC to curb the influence of large corporations, particularly big tech firms, and adopting regulatory models similar to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. However, these proposals often conflict with the conservative principle of allowing free market regulation.

Federal Communications Commission

This section, authored by Brendan Carr, proposes significant measures to restrain major technology companies, mainly by removing certain legal protections under Section 230 and ensuring these platforms provide transparent moderation processes. Carr highlights concerns regarding perceived biases against conservative voices on social media and advocates for regulations akin to net neutrality.

Financial Regulatory Agencies

David R. Burton and Robert Bowes posit in this chapter that cryptocurrency deserves fewer regulatory restraints, with a push for redefining digital assets to lighten SEC oversight. They recommend relaxing capital-raising rules to broaden private investment access, diverging from previous restrictions.

Department of Commerce

Thomas F. Gilman outlines a vision involving the restructuring or downsizing of various federal agencies, notably the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), suggesting such entities are privatized. The chapter also proposes stringent measures to limit technology transfers to foreign adversaries like China and opposes intellectual property waivers for pivotal technologies.

Department of Transportation

Diana Furchtgott-Roth indicates plans to prioritize private transportation over public investment, with recommendations to advance technologies such as drones and digital control towers for aviation operations.

Department of the Treasury

In this chapter, authored by multiple Heritage Foundation affiliates, Project 2025 advocates for a retreat from international climate agreements and emphasizes domestic energy investment in oil and gas, aligning with broader conservative critiques of government climate initiatives.

Department of Health and Human Services

Roger Severino suggests curtailing governmental roles in health governance, with a particular focus on restricting abortion access and modifying regulations around gender-affirming care. The chapter also recommends investigating the CDC.

Department of Homeland Security

Ken Cuccinelli’s chapter surprisingly suggests dismantling the Department of Homeland Security in favor of a new entity focused primarily on immigration enforcement. It also recommends a restructuring of legal immigration processes and tighter scrutiny over student visas, particularly from what are considered adversarial nations.

Intelligence Community

Dustin J. Carmack examines various intelligence-related issues, underscoring concerns about China and suggesting closer scrutiny of internal agency politicization and advocating for FISA reform to ensure bipartisan integrity.

Media Agencies

Mora Namdar and Mike Gonzalez propose reducing funding for certain media-related initiatives, like the Open Technology Fund, and express security concerns regarding the vulnerability of the internet’s undersea cable infrastructure.

Overall, Project 2025 presents a comprehensive blueprint aiming to redefine federal agencies and policies in line with conservative principles, seeking significant structural changes if implemented.

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