Throughout his presidential campaign, former President Donald Trump has largely kept his distance from Project 2025, a detailed plan created by conservative activists for a possible second term. Whether Trump’s allies would attempt to implement parts of this plan if he wins in 2024 is still uncertain. However, Trump himself has outlined his own ambitious vision for transforming the government, bringing in figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk.
RFK Jr. ‘Go Wild’ on Health Reform
Trump has proposed giving Kennedy significant authority over health and safety reforms, envisioning him at the helm of agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, FDA, and NIH. Kennedy would focus on promoting regenerative agriculture and reducing toxins in food and water. However, Kennedy’s outspoken views on vaccines and controversial past remarks have raised concerns among health experts regarding his suitability. Still, Trump has suggested that Kennedy would at least take part in a panel investigating chronic diseases.
Musk: ‘Start from Scratch’ in Government Efficiency
Elon Musk, a Trump ally, could play a role in overhauling government efficiency. Trump has suggested Musk could lead efforts to drastically cut spending and restructure the federal workforce, an idea Musk supports, having called for a complete reset of federal bureaucracy. Musk’s ambitious proposal includes AI-driven assessments and severance packages for government employees. But experts, including former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, warn that Musk’s proposed $2 trillion in cuts would likely require changes to programs like Social Security and Medicare programs Trump has promised to leave untouched.
Health Care Overhaul: ‘No Obamacare’
Some of Trump’s allies, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have hinted at major healthcare reform, with a particular focus on repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). While Trump hasn’t provided specific plans, Johnson’s remarks indicate that dismantling the ACA would be a priority if Trump returns to office.
Challenges to Sweeping Change
Despite these ambitious proposals, enacting substantial changes would face significant legislative and structural obstacles. A divided Senate could halt efforts to repeal the ACA, while a full-scale reset of the federal bureaucracy, as Musk envisions, would likely require congressional approval. Moreover, many details of these proposed changes remain vague, especially when compared to the well-defined framework of Project 2025.