14 Hours of New Videos from Project 2025’s Presidential Academy

ProPublica and Documented have obtained over 14 hours of previously unreleased videos from Project 2025’s Presidential Administration Academy. These videos are designed to prepare the next conservative administration’s political appointees to be “ready on day one.”

Project 2025 is a detailed policy agenda and playbook created by the Heritage Foundation and its partners for a future conservative presidential administration. Despite losing its director amid strong criticism from Democratic groups and even former President Donald Trump’s campaign, its mission to train a legion of political appointees to challenge the so-called deep state bureaucracy continues.

We are making these videos available as received. The Heritage Foundation and most participants in the videos did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Karoline Leavitt, Trump campaign spokesperson, reiterated that “Agenda 47” is the only official policy agenda from the Trump campaign.

In “Conserving America,” Matthew Spalding of Hillsdale College presents the fundamental conservative principles. Hillsdale College, known for its emphasis on classic Western literature and staff connections to the Trump administration, serves as a fitting backdrop for the academy’s narrative.

Christopher Malagisi covers “The History of the Conservative Movement,” from the Progressive Era through the defeat of Barry Goldwater and up to the “Reagan revolution,” providing a historical context for trainees.

“Why Your Service Matters: How Presidential Appointees at All Levels Impact Policy” sees Heritage Foundation experts discussing the crucial role of planning and execution in early administration days, which they termed the “honeymoon period” for policy implementation.

In “Political Appointees & The Federal Workforce,” Spencer Chretien addresses the essential functions of political appointees in actualizing a conservative government’s vision. Chretien, a former Trump administration official, brings practical experience to the discussion.

“Presidential Transitions & Appointee Hiring: What You Need To Know” by Ed Corrigan and Rick Dearborn provides insights into how political hopefuls can secure positions during presidential transitions. Dearborn has significant experience from his time on Trump’s presidential transition team.

The “Deep Dive on The Federal Background Investigation & Security Clearance Process” covers essential details on background checks, presented by Kirk, who served in the Office of Personnel Management during the Trump administration.

“The Political Appointee’s Survival Guide” by Bethany Kozma features discussions with six former Trump administration staffers on navigating the federal government as a political appointee.

In “Time Management for Political Appointees,” Katie Sullivan advises on the strategic use of time, emphasizing efficient meeting management and avoiding calendar overload from career civil servants.

“The Art of Professionalism” features Chris Hayes and Karoline Leavitt discussing key principles of professionalism for government service. Both have held significant roles related to media and leadership training in the conservative movement.

“How to Staff Your Principal” by Jeff Small outlines the daily tasks of working closely with senior government officials. Small’s experience includes roles in the Interior Department and as a chief of staff to a U.S. Representative.

In “Hidden Meanings: The Monsters in the Attic,” Katie Sullivan and Bethany Kozma discuss identifying and addressing left-wing code words and biased language.

“How to Work With the Media” by Alexei Woltornist covers strategies for navigating media relations, focusing on leveraging conservative outlets trusted by conservative voters.

“Oversight & Investigations” features Mike Howell, Tom Jones, and Michael Ding discussing the landscape of government oversight and how appointees should handle sensitive communications.

Michael Duffey’s “The Federal Budget Process” explains key budgetary concepts, differentiating between various types of spending and legislative bills.

“The Administrative State: What it is & How to Address the Problem” by Paul Ray discusses strategies for conservatives to curtail government regulation using executive authority.

David Burton’s “How to Promulgate a Rule” explains the intricacies of the federal regulatory process, drawing from his expertise at the Heritage Foundation.

In “Taking the Reins: How Conservatives Can Win the Regulations Game,” Roger Severino shares insights gained from the Trump administration on passing new regulations effectively.

“Executive Order Drafting & Implementation” by Steven G. Bradbury discusses crafting and enforcing executive orders, reflecting on experiences from the Trump presidency.

“Advancing the President’s Agenda as a Political Executive” sees Donald J. Devine and James Bacon sharing strategies for promoting presidential policies. Their backgrounds in the Reagan and Trump administrations contribute valuable perspectives.

Dan Huff’s “How to Get Your Policy Through the Agency” offers guidance on navigating internal policy-making processes within the executive branch.

In “Congressional Relations: How to work with Members,” Hugh Fike and James Braid provide insights into collaboration between executive appointees and Congress, based on their experiences in legislative affairs.

“Building Winning Coalitions to Advance Policy” by Paul Teller and Sarah Makin covers coalition-building techniques for collaborating with advocacy groups to pass policies.

Ben Friedmann’s “Best Practices in Social Media to Advance Policy” provides strategies for effectively utilizing social media to communicate and promote conservative policies.

Source: ProPublica, Documented