As Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, progressive coalitions, led by Skye Perryman of Democracy Forward, are mobilizing to challenge the sweeping reforms outlined in Project 2025. Sponsored by the Heritage Foundation, the policy framework has drawn criticism for its proposed overhaul of government institutions, LGBTQ+ rights, climate action, and more.
Perryman, Democracy Forward’s chief executive, is spearheading Democracy 2025, a coalition of legal, advocacy, and policy organizations aiming to provide swift legal defenses against Trump-era policies. The initiative builds on the lessons learned from the previous Trump administration but seeks to offer a more robust and proactive response.
Recalling the early days of Trump’s first term, Perryman highlighted the visible and hidden harms caused by his policies.
“From the Muslim ban that mobilized lawyers in airports to less-publicized policies like the Title 10 gag rule that reduced family planning access, millions of Americans were negatively impacted, often unlawfully,” Perryman explained. Democracy Forward responded by filing over 100 lawsuits against the Trump administration, targeting actions like voter suppression efforts, funding cuts for healthcare programs, and weakened nutritional standards for schoolchildren.
Perryman, who rejoined Democracy Forward in 2021, emphasized that threats to democracy have only grown since Trump left office. From judicial extremism to the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision overturning abortion rights, she noted that the battle for fundamental freedoms remains critical.
Despite Trump and running mate JD Vance distancing themselves from Project 2025 during the campaign, the coalition warns that the administration has already begun incorporating its architects into key roles. The policy framework, widely unpopular according to polls, has drawn attention for its implications on civil liberties, climate initiatives, and healthcare access.
“The majority of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, reject extremism,” Perryman said, citing successful abortion rights and climate ballot measures in traditionally conservative states like Missouri and Louisiana.
Democracy 2025 seeks to leverage the judiciary, public advocacy, and electoral pressure to counter harmful policies. Perryman pointed out that the courts can act as a check on presidential overreach, especially given the Biden administration’s success in appointing federal judges.
She also stressed the importance of grassroots action, reminding Americans of the role public outrage played in thwarting Trump’s previous attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.
Anticipating legal challenges and potential intimidation from Trump allies, Democracy 2025 also aims to defend progressive organizations.
“We’ve seen their playbook,” Perryman warned, referencing reports of efforts to undermine progressive nonprofits. “The key is to remain steadfast, using all lawful tools available to protect democracy and represent communities effectively.”
While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Perryman remains optimistic. “The American people still hold significant power,” she said, urging citizens to make their voices heard and hold elected officials accountable.
With a slim Republican majority in Congress, she believes public advocacy and legal action can mitigate the impact of extreme policies. “This is a critical moment,” Perryman concluded. “We must protect our democracy, our communities, and the fundamental rights of all Americans.”
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