- Mass deportation of 11 million undocumented immigrants
- Closing the southern border and ending birthright citizenship
- Unprecedented tariffs on foreign goods from all countries, but especially China
- Expansive tax cuts to benefit corporations, tipped workers, seniors on Social Security, property owners in the Northeast and many others
- Trillions in cuts in government spending with help from Elon Musk
- Reforming the country’s health and food systems with help from vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Reversing regulations aimed at addressing climate change
- Building a new missile defense shield with help from former NFL player Herschel Walker
President-elect Donald Trump has laid out sweeping plans to remake American governance, proposing changes that would affect nearly every corner of the federal government. His Agenda includes drastic measures: mass deportations, tax cuts, reducing federal agency power, and restructuring the civil service. Trump’s proposals suggest an unprecedented consolidation of presidential authority, stripping certain protections and altering budgetary powers typically overseen by Congress.
Central to his vision is Project 2025, a detailed conservative blueprint for transforming the federal government. Although Trump has publicly distanced himself from the plan, its principles align closely with his goals, suggesting a shared vision with conservative allies. As Trump prepares to implement his agenda, the plan’s implications for American governance are significant.
Massive Deportations
Trump’s plan to deport millions of undocumented immigrants is at the heart of his agenda, with his advisors signaling that deportations will begin immediately after his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Former advisor Stephen Miller has indicated Trump’s team will issue executive orders to reinstate strict border policies, many of which were rolled back by the Biden administration. However, specific operational details remain unclear.
Mass deportations would require extensive resources, including new personnel to manage hearings for millions facing deportation. Rep. Carlos Gimenez of Florida, acknowledging the complexities of this plan, notes that each deportation would need a hearing, which could require hiring thousands of additional government workers. Trump’s team has explored private sector partnerships to expand detention and deportation capabilities, though such an initiative would come with a significant price tag. With its scale and cost, Trump’s immigration strategy will likely face intense scrutiny and operational challenges.
Restructuring the Civil Service
Trump’s push to reintroduce Schedule F, a reclassification from his first term, aims to eliminate job protections for nonpartisan federal employees, allowing the president to replace thousands of federal workers with loyalists. This change would enable Trump to remove civil servants he views as “rogue bureaucrats” obstructing his agenda, consolidating more control within the executive branch.
The Biden administration introduced measures to block Schedule F’s reinstatement, but Trump has vowed to reverse them. Critics argue that this policy could erode the independence of federal agencies and increase political interference in areas traditionally insulated from partisan influence. Trump also plans to relocate federal agencies outside Washington, D.C., further reducing their current power structures and geographic influence. These moves signal a shift toward an executive branch where political loyalty may outweigh expertise, impacting the efficiency and impartiality of key government functions.
Push for “Impoundment” Power
One of Trump’s boldest proposals involves reviving “impoundment,” a practice allowing the president to withhold funds allocated by Congress. While Congress restricted impoundment after the Nixon administration, Trump has argued that presidents should control taxpayer funds more directly, in line with their policy goals. He suggests that reclaiming this power would allow him to limit wasteful spending and prioritize budget allocations.
If implemented, impoundment would weaken Congress’s authority over federal spending, disrupting the constitutional separation of powers. This shift could lead to conflicts between the executive and legislative branches and could trigger legal challenges. Trump’s proposal underscores his broader agenda of consolidating executive power and reducing the influence of Congress, a move that could fundamentally alter the balance of U.S. governance.
Project 2025’s Role and Trump’s Conservative Allies
While Trump has distanced himself from Project 2025, the plan’s objectives align closely with his agenda. Developed by conservative policymakers, Project 2025 outlines a roadmap for expanding presidential authority and reducing regulatory oversight. Approximately 140 people associated with Project 2025 worked in Trump’s previous administration, including influential figures like Russell Vought and John McEntee, who are deeply involved in his second-term plans.
The alignment between Trump’s proposals and Project 2025 suggests his administration will lean heavily on its recommendations. This partnership indicates a vision of government where executive power is prioritized, responding more directly to presidential mandates than to traditional checks and balances. The influence of Project 2025 reveals the administration’s strategy to streamline processes, reduce bureaucratic obstacles, and favor policies that align with conservative priorities.
Loyalty Takes Priority Over Experience in Cabinet Appointments
Trump’s approach to selecting cabinet members and top advisors highlights his preference for loyalty over expertise. Naming Susie Wiles, his campaign manager, as chief of staff reflects this philosophy. Trump has openly prioritized assembling a team that will strictly follow his directives, with his son, Donald Trump Jr., stating that loyalty to the president is a key criterion.
This loyalty-first strategy suggests Trump’s cabinet could include individuals without extensive government or subject-specific experience, which could lead to inefficiencies in agencies that rely on specialized knowledge. Trump’s emphasis on loyalty could disrupt department operations, especially in areas like national security and health, where independent expertise is essential for effective functioning. Such an approach risks weakening institutional integrity in favor of political alignment.
The Future of American Governance Under Trump’s Plan
Trump’s proposals aim to reshape the foundation of U.S. governance by centralizing authority in the executive branch and minimizing legislative and judicial oversight. His strategies for immigration, civil service reclassification, and budget control represent a vision where presidential power takes precedence over Congress and independent agencies.
This approach could set a lasting precedent, allowing future presidents to bypass traditional checks and balances in favor of concentrated executive power. Trump’s administration argues that these changes will streamline government, but critics warn that weakening institutional safeguards threatens accountability and democratic processes. As the U.S. prepares for a potential overhaul, Trump’s plans are likely to spark debates over the role of the presidency and the future of American governance.
