As 2025 concludes, Project 2025 stands as the definitive policy plan of Trump’s second term, a blueprint largely crafted by veterans of his first administration. The plan, which Trump initially distanced himself from, has been systematically implemented, with roughly half of its goals achieved by mid-December. However, while the Heritage Foundation’s ideas now shape federal policy, the institution faces internal conflict and fracture. The administration’s actions regarding the press and public broadcasting directly reflect the project’s proposals, mirroring its strategies to consolidate executive power. Despite the success of Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation faces internal turmoil.
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Lawmakers from both parties failed to reach an agreement on Obamacare subsidies, which are set to expire, leading to potential price hikes for millions of Americans. While Democrats and Republicans proposed separate plans, neither advanced. However, bipartisan efforts are underway, with the House considering a three-year extension of the subsidies. Despite this, some Republicans oppose a simple extension, citing concerns about cost and the need for reforms.
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Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s previous statement on immigration enforcement, which allowed ethnicity to be a “relevant factor,” has been criticized for being exploited by immigration officials leading to racial profiling and excessive force. In a recent Supreme Court decision, Kavanaugh has seemingly backtracked on his position by stating that race and ethnicity should not be considered in immigration stops, contradicting his earlier stance. This move, which did not directly address or acknowledge the previous controversy, has been interpreted as an attempt to distance himself from the “Kavanaugh stops” label, and the resulting criticism without taking responsibility. Despite this attempted course correction, commentators argue that the Justice cannot undo the legal and practical impact of his initial statements.
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Following the death of Tatiana Schlossberg, daughter of Caroline Kennedy, Donald Trump took to social media to share posts mocking the Kennedy family. These posts consisted of screenshots of MAGA supporters criticizing the Kennedys’ response to Trump adding his name to the Kennedy Center. The Kennedy family has claimed that Trump’s actions are barred by federal law, despite work crews already adding his name to the historic site. Trump’s social media activity occurred while the family was mourning Tatiana’s passing and sharing tributes.
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The jazz band withdrew from a performance, citing a commitment to freedom and the legacy of the music. The band’s statement emphasized the importance of ensuring the performance space honors both the music and its audience. This decision was influenced by the venue’s association with racism and the destruction of African American culture, as articulated by saxophonist Billy Harper, who referenced the principles of anti-racism fought for by jazz legends. The band emphasized their dedication to upholding the values of the music and its history.
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Rep. Lauren Boebert alleges that former President Donald Trump’s veto of the “Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act,” a bipartisan bill supporting a Colorado water pipeline, was an act of political retaliation. This bill, which aimed to provide water to nearly 50,000 residents, was vetoed due to concerns over high costs, despite nearly unanimous support in the House. Boebert, who pushed for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, believes Trump’s decision was a response to her actions, citing a betrayal of his “America First” agenda. This conflict mirrors the strained relationship between Trump and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who also supported the release of the Epstein files and has since fallen out of favor with Trump.
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Trump Mobile, a mobile service launched by the Trump Organization, has delayed the release of its $499 gold-colored T1 smartphone. The company, which licensed the Trump name, cited disruptions from the recent government shutdown as the reason for the delay. The “proudly American” device, marketed as a competitor to Apple and Samsung, was initially slated for release earlier in the year. Along with the phone, the service offers phone contracts and is selling used Apple and Samsung phones, capitalizing on the Trump brand.
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In a year-end special election, Democrat Renee Hardman won the Iowa state Senate seat representing parts of the Des Moines suburbs, defeating Republican Lucas Loftin by a wide margin. Hardman’s victory prevents Republicans from regaining a two-thirds control of the chamber, a seat that became vacant after the death of Democrat Claire Celsi. This win marks the latest in a string of special election victories for Iowa Democrats, giving them 17 seats to Republicans’ 33. This win is a major check on Republican power, as they need to get support from at least one Democrat to approve Reynolds’ nominees.
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Attorney General Pam Bondi posted and then deleted a graph showing a decline in drug overdose deaths, attempting to give credit to the Trump administration for progress made under Joe Biden. The graph, tracking overdose deaths from 2015 to 2024, illustrated a spike before plateauing in 2022 and 2023, followed by a sharp decline during Biden’s term, which Bondi misrepresented. Social media users and politicians, like Rep. Ted Lieu, quickly pointed out the error, leading to the post’s deletion. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about potential risks to these gains due to Trump’s policies, including budget cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Agency and aggressive actions in other countries.
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Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is slated to deliver the opening remarks at Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration, with Senator Bernie Sanders administering the oath of office. The inauguration will be a public block party on Broadway, unlike past ceremonies, and is meant to include all New Yorkers. Mamdani, who campaigned on a platform of affordability, also faced criticism during his campaign.
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John Q. Hosedrinker