Trump’s Leadership and the Heritage Foundation: Shaping Power, Influence, and America’s Future

In his first month in office in 2025, President Donald Trump issued more than 60 Executive Orders, swiftly moving to implement the ideological vision outlined by the Heritage Foundation in Project 2025. Through these policies, Trump exercised power and influence, reshaping federal governance to align with conservative priorities. Central to this effort was the role of Elon Musk, who was given broad authority to overhaul federal agencies, accelerating the plan to reduce government oversight and regulatory intervention significantly. Project 2025 seeks to return the federal government to its pre-Progressive Era structure, dismantling the extensive regulatory framework that had evolved since the New Deal. At its core, the Heritage Foundation’s agenda emphasizes corporate autonomy, minimizing government influence over business operations while framing the changes within the language of constitutionalism and individual liberty. A rhetorical analysis of Project 2025 reveals its ideological pillars, its critique of federal oversight, and the objectives it sets for the Trump administration. Trump’s alignment with this vision reflects his leadership style—assertive, strategic, and deeply tied to conservative institutions. Whether driven by ideological commitment or political pragmatism, his rapid implementation of Project 2025 showcases the interplay of power and influence in shaping governance, policy, and national priorities. The long-term effects of this transformation will likely redefine the structure and reach of the federal government, reinforcing the Heritage Foundation’s broader mission to consolidate conservative influence in American politics.