The influential right-wing think tank behind the controversial Project 2025 blueprint for Donald Trump's administration is already looking beyond, launching a new agenda for 2026 centred on ushering in a "golden age" for America.
From Project 2025 to a 'Golden Age'
The Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 was a 900-page manifesto, the Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise, crafted by numerous Trump allies who later secured key roles in his government. Its proposals included a dramatic expansion of presidential authority, severe cuts to federal spending and social services, a reduction of the federal workforce, the rollback of LGBT+ rights, and a stringent anti-immigration platform.
By the close of 2025, with the plan's authors embedded across the federal government, more than half of the items on Heritage's extensive list had been enacted. Building on this momentum, the group has now published its 2026 agenda, titled "Restoring America's Promise," which pledges to dismantle the so-called 'deep state' in Washington and restore traditional values in the states as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
The Four Cornerstones of the New Agenda
A new national advertising campaign declares that "the golden age is a choice," featuring aspirational imagery of American life. A Heritage spokesperson confirmed to The Independent that while the mission to "build a better America" remains, the organisation's strategy is evolving.
The refreshed focus is built on Four Cornerstones: The American Family, The Dignity of Work and the Future of Free Enterprise, National Security, and American Heritage and Citizenship. The ad campaign aims to "reset and reframe the conversation" around these pillars.
This vision translates into nine specific priorities that mirror the dominant themes of the Trump era. These include:
- Countering China: Labelling the Chinese Communist Party as the "most persistent and consequential foreign threat."
- Ending 'Immigration Chaos': Channeling federal resources to support mass deportation efforts.
- Unleashing American Energy: Discarding climate crisis regulations to boost fossil fuel production.
- Rooting Out the 'Deep State': Further centralising presidential control over federal agencies.
- Ensuring 'Election Integrity': Requiring proof of citizenship to vote.
- Expanding 'Education Freedom': Abolishing the Department of Education.
- Restoring Digital Sovereignty: Taking action against major technology companies.
- Putting 'Family First': Advancing an anti-abortion policy agenda.
- Eliminating Federal Regulations: Removing rules perceived as hindrances to business.
Deep Ties Between Heritage and the Trump Administration
Despite Donald Trump's attempts during the 2024 election to distance himself from Project 2025—claiming he had "no idea" who was behind it—the links between his administration and the Heritage Foundation are extensive and well-documented.
Russell Vought, a key architect of Project 2025 who wrote its chapter on executive power, was appointed Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget. In October 2025, Trump publicly praised Vought's work on the project in a Truth Social post about cutting government agencies.
Other notable appointments include Brendan Carr, author of the Project 2025 chapter on the Federal Communications Commission, who was picked to lead that agency; former ICE acting director Tom Homan, a contributor to the project who became 'border czar'; and Stephen Miller, who returned as a White House deputy chief of staff overseeing immigration policy after his organisation was initially listed as a Project 2025 contributor.
Heritage has also extended its influence into the judicial sphere, publishing an 800-page analysis of the Constitution co-written by conservative judges. The Heritage Guide to the Constitution features a foreword by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito and contributions from over 30 ideologically aligned judges, most of whom were appointed by Trump.
The push for Project 2026 comes despite reported internal tensions at the Heritage Foundation. Late in 2025, President Kevin Roberts faced criticism for defending commentator Tucker Carlson after his interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes, leading to reports of "open rebellion" within the group. This episode highlighted the broader schisms within the conservative movement as it prepares for a future beyond Trump's presidency.
