Project 2025 Takes Center Stage at the DNC

Project 2025, a 900-page conservative blueprint for a potential second Trump term, was front and center on Night 1 of the Democratic National Convention. Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow highlighted the document, saying:

"This is Project 2025. Over the next four nights, you are going to hear a lot about what is in this 900-page document. Why? Because this is the Republican blueprint for a second Trump term."

Trump's Distance from Project 2025

Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, have warned Americans about "Trump's Project 2025" agenda. However, Trump himself has distanced himself from the project, claiming he "knows nothing" about it. The project was led by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, with contributions from over 100 conservative organizations and former Trump administration officials. Despite Trump's claims, a recording of Russell Vought, a Project 2025 author and former Trump budget director, revealed that Trump is "very supportive" but only distancing himself due to Democratic attacks.

Project 2025's Impact on Abortion and Reproductive Rights

Harris claimed that Project 2025 would "ban abortion nationwide," but this is misleading. While it doesn't call for a complete ban, it recommends curtailing access to contraceptives and abortion. It suggests reversing the FDA approval of mifepristone, a drug used for medication abortions, and limiting its use. It also calls for enforcing the Comstock Act, which could restrict mailing abortion medications and equipment. The plan also proposes withholding federal funds from states that don't report abortion data and blocking Medicaid funds for abortion providers like Planned Parenthood.

Impact on Social Security and Medicare

Contrary to Harris' claims, Project 2025 does not propose cutting Social Security. However, it does suggest changes to Medicare, including making Medicare Advantage the default enrollment option and repealing Biden-era health policies like the Inflation Reduction Act. Trump has repeatedly stated he will not cut Medicare during the 2024 campaign.

Education Department and Parental Rights

Project 2025 accurately reflects Trump's stance on eliminating the Education Department and devolving its functions to states. It also aligns with Trump's Agenda 47, which calls for ending federal education work and sending it back to the states. The project also includes opting out of federal education programs and passing a federal parents' bill of rights.

Overtime Pay

Harris claimed that Project 2025 would allow employers to stop paying workers for overtime. While it doesn't call for banning overtime wages, it recommends changes to OSHA regulations and overtime rules that could result in some losing overtime protections. It proposes maintaining an overtime threshold that doesn't "punish businesses in lower-cost regions," which could affect workers' rights to overtime pay.