How Project 2025 hurts job seekers

Yesterday, we wrote about the Republican Party’s Project 2025, a 900-page blueprint for remaking the United States into a far more conservative country, some might even say a Christian theocracy that would have a lot more in common with the Muslim theocracy of Iran than what we’ve become accustomed to given our First Amendment’s principles that mostly separate church and state.

Today, we want to explore Project 2025’s potential impact on the American workforce. The initiative is backed by former President Donald Trump’s Vice Presidential candidate, JD Vance, and conservative organizations like The Heritage Foundation. At a high level, it seeks to downsize the federal government, deregulate industries, and restructure how the executive branch operates. While proponents argue that it will reduce inefficiencies and empower businesses, the repercussions for job seekers, especially those relying on government employment or industries heavily tied to federal policies, could be significant and damaging.

One of the most immediate effects of Project 2025 would be the downsizing of the federal workforce. With goals of cutting back on federal employees and slashing entire departments, this could eliminate thousands of stable, well-paying jobs that have long been a cornerstone of employment for many Americans. For job seekers, this would mean fewer opportunities in the public sector, a space that traditionally offers competitive benefits and long-term security. Government jobs have also historically provided opportunities for diverse populations, including veterans, women, and minorities, who may now face even greater challenges finding positions with similar benefits and protections.

The reduction of federal jobs isn’t the only concern. Project 2025 calls for sweeping deregulation, particularly in areas such as environmental protection, labor standards, and healthcare. While this may open the door for some businesses to expand or operate with fewer restrictions, it could also create a more precarious labor market. Deregulated industries often favor lower costs and fewer employee protections, which could lead to more job openings that offer less stability, lower wages, and fewer benefits. For job seekers, this may mean that while more jobs are available, they may not provide the same quality of employment or security that previous roles offered.

Industries reliant on federal oversight, such as renewable energy and healthcare, may also be severely impacted. Project 2025’s blueprint includes a potential rollback of investments in clean energy, which has been a growing source of job creation in recent years. This would not only hamper progress in sustainable technologies but also diminish opportunities for those seeking employment in a sector that has been on the rise. Job seekers in these industries may find fewer openings, as companies scale back operations in the absence of government support.

Additionally, the initiative’s emphasis on weakening unions and curtailing worker protections will likely result in an even more challenging landscape for those entering the workforce. With fewer regulatory requirements for fair wages, safe working conditions, and other protections, job seekers may face a more hostile labor environment, where negotiating for fair compensation or safe working environments becomes increasingly difficult.