Bob Gatty
- Sep 4
- 4 min read

Understanding Project 2025, A Threat to American Democracy

Project 2025 is an extensive and concerning policy agenda crafted by the Heritage Foundation and President Trump's far-right allies and is a clear threat to American democracy.

This 900-plus page document is seen as a roadmap for a potential future Trump presidency, with implications that could drastically alter the fabric of American democracy.

To dissect and discuss these issues, Lean to the Left contributing writers C.J. Waldron and Susan V. Hutchinson provide their insights and findings as they developed a series of 12 essays analyzing the implications of Project 25, a threat to American democracy.

Project 2025, A Threat to American Democracy

During our discussion,Waldron highlighted the contradictions regarding Project 2025. While Trump publicly distances himself from the document, it's clear that this blueprint is aligned with many of his administration's goals.

One of the key concerns raised by Waldron is the overhaul of government employment, where positions would be filled based on loyalty rather than qualifications. Also alarming is the intention to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and drastically change educational structures.

Waldron emphasized that these changes would stifle free thought and critical thinking—a hallmark of any healthy democracy.

Healthcare and Civil Liberties

Hutchinson expressed her outrage upon reading Project 2025, likening it to the "anti-Federalist papers." She discussed the un-American and unpatriotic nature of the document and how it poses a serious threat to civil liberties.

Hutchinson and Waldron both underscored the dangers of eliminating the Department of Justice, suggesting that without it, Trump loyalists would act with impunity as they attempt to reshape the federal government according to the dictates of Donald Trump.

Their discussion also touched on the potential for the document to incite domestic terrorism, as extremist groups may feel emboldened by the lack of legal repercussions. Hutchinson aptly pointed out that this disintegration of the rule of law is one of the most dangerous aspects of Project 2025.

Impacts on Healthcare

Another troubling aspect of Project 2025 is its impact on healthcare.

The plan proposes cutting Medicare choices for seniors, nudging everyone towards Medicare Part C, called Medicare Advantage, which essentially prioritizes profit over patient care.

This would be disastrous for millions of seniors, increasing their out-of-pocket expenses and reducing the quality of care, warned Hutchinson.

Abortion and Women's Rights

Hutchinson addressed the vagueness of Project 2025 regarding a national abortion ban. While the document avoids explicitly calling for such a ban, it employs terminology aimed at restricting abortion rights indirectly.

Hutchinson pointed out that there is already a movement in Congress to define the moment of conception as the beginning of life, which could have far-reaching implications for reproductive rights in blue states.

Moreover, the absence of exceptions for cases of rape and incest is alarming, reflecting a broader intent to control women's bodies and choices.

Waldron and Hutchinson both stressed that such regulations would disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, further exacerbating inequality.

Education and Indoctrination

Project 2025 also aims to reshape the educational landscape. By introducing stringent voter restrictions and focusing on perceived threats like "critical race theory," the document seeks to manipulate the younger generation's outlook.

As an educator, Waldron lamented the false portrayal of critical race theory and the dangers of such indoctrination. He warned that the control over educational content is a fundamental step towards creating a subservient and uncritical populace.

Economic Inequality

The conversation also touched on economic inequality, pointing out that the policies proposed in Project 2025 would primarily benefit the wealthy and large corporations.

Hutchinson criticized the focus on distractions, such as immigration issues at the southern border, which divert attention from corporate malfeasance.

Similarly, Waldron explained how these policies have long-term, detrimental effects on the working class, many of whom ironically form Trump's base.

Call to Action

Waldron and Hutchinson implored the audience to educate themselves about the dangers of Project 2025. They stressed that Trump's followers need to recognize how these policies would hurt them directly and how crucial it is to oppose such an agenda.

For a more in-depth look, Lean to the Left has published a series of blogs dissecting Project 2025 issue-by-issue. Contributors Waldron and Hutchinson have poured their expertise and passion into these articles, and they provide a clear perspective on the stakes at hand.

Final Words

The more Donald Trump and his allies try to dismiss their association with Project 2025, the clearer it becomes that this blueprint is a central part of his political strategy.

It's not just a document, but a reflection of the far-right's long-term vision for America—a vision that poses an existential threat to democracy, civil liberties, and social justice.

For those who are concerned about the future of our country, it’s essential to stay informed and take action. We urge you to contribute to the discourse and help safeguard American democracy. A good start would be to comment below or on YouTube or the audio podcast channels.

Here are direct links to the individual articles on Project 2025, topic by topic: