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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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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Donald Trump’s renaming of the Kennedy Center has led to multiple artists canceling their performances, creating financial and reputational damage to the institution. The Cookers, Chuck Redd, Kristy Lee, and Doug Varone and Dancers are among those who have withdrawn, citing the political implications of Trump’s action. Ric Grenell, the center’s head, has responded with threats of lawsuits and attacks on the artists, while Senate Democrats investigate him for alleged misconduct. The Kennedy Center’s revenue has plummeted since Trump’s intervention, exacerbating the fallout from the controversy.
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A recent Wall Street Journal report revealed that Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club sent young female employees to provide massages to Jeffrey Epstein for years, despite these employees warning each other about Epstein’s inappropriate behavior, including sexual suggestions and indecent exposure. In 2003, after an 18-year-old beautician complained about being pressured for sex by Epstein, a manager informed Trump, leading to Epstein’s ban from the club. Notably, Virginia Giuffre, an alleged victim of Epstein’s, had been recruited from the Palm Beach club three years prior. The report also highlights that Trump’s second wife, Marla Maples, had also expressed concerns about Epstein’s character, and that other Mar-a-Lago employees were listed in Epstein’s address book.
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The Trump administration announced a freeze on child care funds to Minnesota and mandated an audit of day care centers following reported fraud schemes, citing widespread issues across the country. Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O’Neill stated the move was a response to blatant fraud, referencing allegations of significant fraud within day care centers operated by Somali residents in Minneapolis. Governor Tim Walz criticized the move as political, while investigations into state-run programs and the targeting of the Somali diaspora continue. The Administration for Children and Families will require justification and evidence for payments and has launched a fraud-reporting system.
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John Q. Hosedrinker