In anticipation of a potential second Donald Trump presidency, a policy blueprint titled Project 2025 has surfaced, attracting widespread criticism for its controversial goals. The 922-page document, created by Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, outlines an extensive agenda to reshape government policies in areas ranging from education to civil rights. plan, formally known as “Mandate for Leadership: Conservative Promise,” advocates for drastic measures, such as dismantling entire federal agencies, imprisoning creators of pornography, and enshrining Christian values into law.
However, its sheer length and complexity make it difficult for the average voter to grasp its full implications. Media outlets have highlighted some of the most radical proposals, but many areas remain unexplored by the public.
Enter Rajat Paharia, a former Google product manager, who saw an opportunity to make dense documents more accessible. In just three days, with the help of AI tools like Google Gemini and GitHub Copilot, Paharia built 25 and Me, a website designed to help Americans easily navigate Project 2025. By using AI to identify and categorize excerpts based on user interests, the website enables voters to sort through topics like civil rights, environmental regulations, veterans’ affairs, and drug prices.
In an interview, Paharia explained his motivation behind the project:
“Americans are affected by a wide range of issues, but it’s difficult for any one person to find all information relevant to me in such a massive document. Many voters unknowingly support policies that may not align with our interests. My goal is to make that information more accessible so that people can make more informed decisions.”
For example, those interested in food stamps can view relevant policy recommendations on pages 298-303, while topics concerning reproductive rights start around page 450. Paharia believes his tool can close the knowledge gap for voters who often only hear about key issues through limited media coverage. By making the playbook’s full contents available in a user-friendly format, 25 and I empower Americans to understand the broader scope of policies elected leaders might implement.
While Trump’s campaign has distanced itself from the plan following backlash, with Trump claiming in a recent statement that he has “no idea” who authored the document, reports indicate that over 140 former Trump administration officials contributed to its creation. Heritage Foundation, which has historically maintained close ties with Trump’s political movement, remains at the center of controversy.
Project 2025 has ignited concerns among Democrats and moderate Republicans, who argue that many of the proposals could have drastic consequences for American democracy and individual freedoms. Trump’s campaign’s response has been to downplay its connection to the plan, but debate continues as the 2024 election cycle heats up.
As voters seek more information on how these policies could affect their lives, Paharia’s 25 and Me website offers a valuable resource for greater transparency, giving people the ability to explore the full range of proposals from one of the most talked-about political blueprints of the upcoming election.
