Project 2025: Where are we now?

If someone had told you that a 900-page political playbook could be halfway implemented in just eight months, would you believe it? While much of the world has been distracted by chaos and headlines, Project 2025 has quietly become the real playbook shaping our government and our future.

On this Advance Notice episode, we sat down with Dawn Blagrove, executive director of Emancipate North Carolina, to break down what’s happening, what it means for our communities, and what we can do about it.

A rapid implementation

Less than a year into the Trump administration’s second term, roughly 50% of Project 2025 has already been implemented or is on its way. Even for those who predicted an aggressive agenda, the speed and scope have taken many by surprise.

Dawn Blagrove notes that this may be the biggest strategic miscalculation in modern Democratic politics — failing to take Project 2025 and Trump’s determination seriously enough. The consequences of that miscalculation, she warns, could reverberate for generations.

Direct impacts on communities

So far, the impacts are hitting Black, brown, and working-class communities the hardest:

• Education – The elimination of the Department of Education and defunding of public schools.
• Safety Nets – Severe cuts to programs like SNAP and housing vouchers.
• Policing – Deployment of the military into predominantly Black cities under the guise of fighting crime.

Blagrove emphasizes that this is more than just policy shifts — it’s a direct assault on vulnerable communities, desensitizing the public to militarized cities and widening systemic inequities.

A return to community roots

In response, she calls for a return to community-based solutions:

• Local fundraising for schools and children’s needs.
• Collective efforts to provide food, books and shelter where the government withdraws support.
• A renewed focus on self-reliance and mutual aid, echoing strategies Black communities used before desegregation.

What’s at stake for North Carolina

Looking ahead, Blagrove warns of a complete loss of democracy in the state if Project 2025 continues unchecked:

• Defunding of public schools and whitewashing of curricula.
• Suppression of Black leadership and representation.
• A rollback to policies reminiscent of Jim Crow.

She also highlights how North Carolina has become a testing ground for GOP policies, from book bans to school vouchers, often mirroring federal-level strategies.

The call to action

Blagrove’s message is clear: vote — at every level. Local, municipal, judicial, statewide and federal elections all matter. With gerrymandered districts limiting representation in the General Assembly, statewide elections—such as the 2026 NC Supreme Court race — are critical opportunities for change.

For more information about municipal elections, visit SafeVoterNC.org.

As Blagrove reminds us, “Every time the ballot box is open, you should be casting a vote.”