Project 2025, Elements of Authoritarianism Ultra-conservatives are looking to turn the United States into an authoritarian state, similar to what Viktor Orbán has done in Hungary and Vladimir Putin has done in Russia. Orbán, in particular, has been a role model and has recently completed visits with both Putin and Donald Trump. Project 2025, developed by the Heritage Foundation, is an essential roadmap for this effort. Its goal is to develop authoritarian, conservative, right-wing policy proposals that would reshape the United States federal government and consolidate executive power under the president. This project would grant those ideologues supporting an authoritarian government unprecedented authority if implemented. It would dismantle the existing institutions of American democracy and outlaw many of the laws and freedoms we currently enjoy. Nevertheless, there is hope. Many individuals and organizations are working to ensure that these policies do not become a reality. Two significant efforts are underway. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) announced the formation of The Stop Project 2025 Task Force. He described it as a hub for pro-democracy Members of Congress, civil society, and affected communities. Together, they will take action to preempt and counteract this right-wing plot to undermine democracy. “Project 2025 is more than an idea,” said Rep. Huffman. ‘It's a dystopian plot that’s already in motion to dismantle our democratic institutions, abolish checks and balances, chip away at church-state separation, and impose a far-right agenda that infringes on fundamental liberties and violates public will. In addition, a group of prominent Black Democratic leaders has unveiled Project Freedom, which is also aimed at countering Project 2025. The effort will mobilize voters of color through town halls, community events, digital campaigns, and phone banks. |
