Project 2025, initiated by the Heritage Foundation, proposes sweeping changes across multiple sectors of American governance. It aims to reshape policies on healthcare, immigration, education, and social programs. While its supporters argue that it will restore constitutional values and economic stability, critics warn that it could undermine essential protections and services. Here are 15 of the most controversial aspects of Project 2025 and how they could directly impact American lives.
1. Will Egg Prices Go Up or Down?
Project 2025 pushes for aggressive deregulation of agriculture, aiming to reduce federal oversight in farming and food production. This could lower production costs, leading to reduced prices for eggs and other staples. By cutting certain safety and environmental regulations, large-scale producers may find it easier to expand operations and increase supply, which could, in turn, drive prices down. According to Forbes, Trump has proposed significant cuts to federal regulations, aligning with Project 2025’s broader agenda to rein in the regulatory state, which could potentially impact agricultural policies and egg prices.
However, the downside is that relaxed regulations might also compromise food safety and quality. Reduced oversight could increase risks of contamination, such as salmonella outbreaks, leading to more recalls and public health concerns. Additionally, if smaller farms struggle to compete with massive agribusinesses benefiting from deregulation, long-term market monopolization could eventually lead to higher prices rather than lower ones.
2. Will We Alienate Our Closest Allies?
Project 2025 emphasizes an “America First” approach, shifting focus away from international diplomacy and foreign aid commitments. This could lead to strained relationships with key allies, particularly those who rely on U.S. military and economic partnerships. If the U.S. withdraws support from international agreements and organizations, global trust in American leadership could decline. According to Al Jazeera, Project 2025 aims for a definitive break with the current administration’s foreign policy, potentially straining relationships with key allies and prioritizing military spending over humanitarian programs.
Some countries may seek new alliances, weakening America’s influence on the global stage. Trade agreements could be renegotiated in ways that disadvantage U.S. businesses, and diplomatic relations with NATO allies may suffer. While supporters believe this approach prioritizes national interests, critics argue it could lead to economic instability and increased geopolitical tensions.
3. Will Medicaid & Social Security Be Gutted?
One of the most alarming aspects of Project 2025 is its plan to restructure social programs like Medicaid and Social Security. It proposes capping Medicaid funding, implementing stricter work requirements, and pushing more responsibility onto states. These changes could significantly reduce access to healthcare for low-income families and individuals with disabilities. According to the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, Project 2025 proposes converting federal Medicaid funding to block grants or per capita caps, which could result in significant cuts to the program and affect millions of Americans.
Social Security, while not immediately eliminated, could face severe cuts in benefits, delaying retirement ages, or introducing privatization measures. Critics warn that these changes would disproportionately affect seniors and vulnerable populations, forcing millions to rely on inadequate state-run programs. While proponents claim these reforms will curb government spending, the potential consequences for everyday Americans could be devastating.
4. Will We See the End of the Department of Education?
Project 2025 seeks to eliminate the Department of Education, transferring control over education policies to individual states. Supporters argue that this move would allow local governments to create tailored curriculums that reflect community values and reduce federal overreach in schools. According to CNN, President Trump is preparing to sign an order to initiate steps toward the potential dissolution of the Department of Education, aligning with Project 2025’s goal to significantly reduce the federal government’s scope in education.
However, critics fear this could lead to massive disparities in education quality, as wealthier states and districts would have more resources while underfunded schools suffer. Federal student loan programs could also be dismantled, making higher education even less accessible for low-income students. Removing a centralized education authority could weaken national academic standards and harm the future workforce.
5. Will It Make Healthcare More Affordable?
Project 2025 proposes a free-market approach to healthcare, aiming to reduce government involvement and foster competition among private insurers. Proponents believe this will drive down costs by encouraging efficiency and innovation within the industry.
However, eliminating federal regulations could also mean that insurers cut corners, leading to reduced coverage for essential services. Those with preexisting conditions might struggle to find affordable plans, and healthcare costs could vary drastically depending on state policies. Without federal intervention, affordability could remain out of reach for millions of Americans.
6. Will Flying on a Plane Become Less Safe?
Among the proposed deregulations, Project 2025 suggests reducing federal oversight in transportation safety, including the airline industry. Supporters argue that cutting regulations will lower operational costs and make air travel more affordable.
However, fewer safety inspections, reduced air traffic control funding, and relaxed maintenance regulations could increase the likelihood of accidents. Airline staff shortages and a decline in pilot training standards could also contribute to safety risks. While deregulation may save money, it could come at the expense of passenger security.
7. Will It Really Fix the Immigration Crisis?
Project 2025 takes an aggressive stance on immigration, advocating for mass deportations, stricter border security, and expanded law enforcement powers. Supporters claim this will curb illegal immigration and free up jobs for American citizens.
However, history suggests that harsh immigration crackdowns can disrupt industries that rely on immigrant labor, such as agriculture and construction. Additionally, militarizing the border and ramping up deportations could lead to human rights concerns, overburdened legal systems, and strained relations with neighboring countries.
8. Will It Create More Jobs?
The project promotes deregulation and tax cuts for businesses, claiming that this will spur economic growth and job creation. Supporters argue that reducing corporate taxes will encourage companies to expand and hire more workers.
However, past instances of corporate tax cuts have often resulted in stock buybacks and executive bonuses rather than increased wages or new hiring. Without measures to ensure fair wages, job growth could be concentrated in low-paying sectors, worsening economic inequality rather than improving it.
9. Will Any of It Go Against Our Christian Values?
Project 2025 aligns with conservative Christian values, advocating for policies such as restricting abortion and eliminating protections for LGBTQ+ rights. Proponents see this as a return to traditional moral standards.
However, critics argue that enforcing one religious ideology through policy goes against the principle of religious freedom. Christian values also emphasize compassion, social justice, and care for the poor—principles that may be undermined by cuts to social programs and immigration restrictions.
10. Will Environmental Protections Be Rolled Back?
Project 2025 proposes eliminating environmental regulations and defunding agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This move is framed as reducing government interference in business and encouraging energy independence.
However, deregulation could lead to increased pollution, worsening climate change, and public health crises. If corporations are not held accountable for environmental damage, Americans may face higher healthcare costs and more frequent natural disasters as a result.
11. Will Disaster Response Be Compromised?
The initiative suggests shifting disaster relief responsibilities from federal agencies like FEMA to individual states. Proponents argue this would reduce bureaucracy and allow local governments to manage crises more efficiently.
However, states with fewer resources may struggle to respond adequately to large-scale disasters like hurricanes and wildfires. Without centralized coordination, response efforts could become disorganized, delaying critical aid and putting lives at risk.
12. Will Federal Workers Be Replaced by Political Appointees?
Project 2025 aims to overhaul the federal workforce, replacing career civil servants with political appointees who align with the administration’s ideology. This would give the ruling party more control over government agencies.
However, critics warn that such a move could undermine the expertise and impartiality of federal institutions. Decisions made for political reasons rather than public interest could lead to inefficiency, corruption, and instability within government operations.
13. Will Reproductive Rights Be Restricted?
The project seeks to further restrict abortion access and limit federal funding for reproductive healthcare services. Supporters claim this protects unborn lives and upholds conservative values.
However, restricting abortion and contraceptive access disproportionately affects low-income individuals who cannot afford to travel for care. Many argue that reproductive decisions should be left to individuals rather than dictated by government policy.
14. Will LGBTQ+ Rights Be Eroded?
Project 2025 proposes rolling back protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in areas such as employment, housing, and healthcare. Supporters believe this restores religious freedoms for business owners and institutions.
However, this could lead to widespread discrimination, limiting access to essential services and legal protections for LGBTQ+ Americans. Many fear this policy shift would turn back progress on civil rights.
15. Will Voting Rights Be Affected?
Project 2025 includes provisions that would impose stricter voting regulations, such as requiring government-issued photo IDs, limiting mail-in and absentee voting, and increasing purges of voter rolls. Supporters argue that these measures are necessary to prevent election fraud and maintain the integrity of the democratic process. The justification is that by tightening voting requirements, only eligible citizens will cast ballots, reducing the chances of manipulation or unlawful participation.
However, widespread studies have shown that voter fraud is exceedingly rare in the U.S., making these restrictions largely unnecessary. Critics argue that these policies disproportionately affect minority groups, the elderly, and low-income individuals who may face barriers in obtaining proper identification or accessing polling locations. Additionally, reducing early voting options and eliminating ballot drop boxes could make it harder for working-class voters to participate. These policies may not secure elections as intended but could instead weaken democratic participation and representation.
