The False Claim
Project 2025, the collection of conservative policies proposed by the Heritage Foundation for a possible second Donald Trump presidency, calls for cutting or eliminating Social Security benefits.
The Facts
Project 2025, a policy blueprint if former U.S. President Donald Trump wins reelection in November 2024, does not call for cuts to or the elimination of Social Security, according to the text of the proposal.
The proposed policies of Project 2025, created by a coalition of conservative organizations led by the Heritage Foundation, are articulated in a 922-page document published in April 2023. The document, titled “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise,” does not mention any proposed changes to Social Security, a benefit program that includes retirement, disability, survivor, and family benefits.
A July 9, 2024, X post from the official Project 2025 account stated, “Mandate for Leadership does not advocate cutting Social Security.”
Although Project 2025 does not propose any cuts to or elimination of Social Security, the Heritage Foundation itself has separately proposed changes to the welfare program that would reduce the amount of money it would pay out. For example, as part of a proposal for the U.S. federal budget in fiscal year 2023, the Heritage Foundation advocated shifting Social Security to a flat benefit, instead of one that varies based on...
Photo: AFP President Donald Trump's Director of Communications Steven Cheung was ridiculed on social media over his claims about high turnout at the Washington, D.C. military parade. On Saturday (...