The first faceoff between Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her Republican rival Donald Trump saw a high drama on Tuesday as Harris slammed Trump for his involvement in "Project 2025" and alleged that he would use it to control the daily lives of US citizens. Trump refuted the allegations and replied, "I have nothing to do with Project 2025." Trump went ahead to say that he has not even read the document.
What Is Project 2025?
The 922-page controversial document, put together by hundreds of high-profile conservatives, is billed as an authoritarian and right-wing policy wish list if Trump retakes the White House. Harris' campaign has alleged that the proposal would focus on the first 180 days of Trump's administration if he is re-elected.
The project is being overseen by the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank, which is not associated with the Trump campaign. However, many of Trump's closest policy advisers are said to be heavily involved in the project, as per Reuters. It is not new for think tanks to publish such wishlists before the US presidential election. Previously, too, they have released papers that promoted their demands from the incoming administration. The Heritage Foundation has produced similar documents in connection with subsequent presidential elections, including in 2016, when Trump became the President.
What Are the Project's Proposals?
The project proposes enforcing laws that make it illegal to mail abortion pills over state lines, criminalising pornography and eliminating the Department of Education. It proposes that the entire federal bureaucracy, including independent agencies be placed under direct presidential control.
The document describes FBI as a "bloated, arrogant, increasingly lawless organisation" and demands its overhaul. It calls for eliminating visa categories for crime and human trafficking victims and increasing fees on immigrants. Among other proposals, the document demands that the next president "stops the war on oil and natural gas". As part of its crackdown on "woke" ideology, it aims to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs in schools and government departments.
The campaign of Kamala Harris has alleged that Project 2025 would "strip" people of their freedom by implementing regulations such as forcing states to report on women’s miscarriages and abortions, cutting social security and Medicare and eliminating the Department of Education. Harris' campaign has also alleged that the proposal would intensify discrimination against LGBTQ+ Americans.
Democrats led by Jared Huffman have launched a "Stop Project 2025 Task Force".