In the wake of reelected President Donald Trump’s sweeping executive orders and the rise of Project 2025, our future and civil rights are facing a critical turning point. With policies targeting gender-affirming healthcare, revoking diversity initiatives, and eliminating other protections against discrimination, the government is already changing in ways that could redefine freedom and alter lives. Now more than ever, advocacy plays a crucial role in protecting these rights. Public pressure, grassroots movements, and even self-education can be instrumental in preserving the liberties granted to us since the founding of our country.
So, what is Project 2025? Project 2025 is an initiative created and led by The Heritage Foundation, aiming to push for a more conservative administration and policies. Although Trump was not involved in drafting the project’s blueprint or plans, many of his policies closely resemble the objectives it outlines. Additionally, several individuals associated with Project 2025 hold key positions in Trump’s administration.
In January 2025, Trump issued the order “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” which prevents companies and organizations from implementing DEIA programs in their employment and hiring practices. The executive order also revoked provisions of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, established in 1965. With parts of this act removed under Project 2025, workplace anti-discrimination laws have been weakened, making it harder for employees to hold employers accountable for discrimination. Removing these protections also reduces workplace diversity. Individuals from marginalized communities, minorities, and women may face disproportionate pay gaps and fewer hiring and promotion opportunities compared to their white male counterparts, as companies no longer have an obligation to hire for inclusion, diversity, and merit. Project 2025 also includes measures that could significantly restrict reproductive rights.
Project 2025 seeks to outlaw emergency abortion care, revoke the FDA’s approval of abortion drugs, and criminalize sending abortion pills or related supplies, limiting services and potentially endangering women’s health. After resuming office, Trump signed the executive order titled “Enforcing the Hyde Amendment,” which prohibits federal funding for abortions and revokes previous executive orders that expanded access to reproductive healthcare. The overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 had already given individual states the power to ban abortions, but with Trump’s new executive order, abortion clinics and reproductive services in states that had not enacted bans may now be severely impacted. Women seek abortions for various reasons—whether due to non-consensual conception, fatal fetal defects, or life-threatening health risks to the mother. Studies indicate that statewide abortion bans have already led to higher maternal mortality rates. These policies do not just take away rights; they also take lives.
The fight for civil rights in the U.S. has been long and ongoing, encompassing racial justice, gender equality, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. Each historical movement has faced resistance, but advocacy, legal challenges, and public initiative have led to massive milestones. However, recent policy shifts through Project 2025 and Trump’s orders have initiated a rollback of these rights. The Civil Rights Movement from the 1950s to 1960s advocated for racial equality, leading to landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Secondwave feminism (1960s–1980s) fought for reproductive rights, workplace protections, and gender equality. The LGBTQ+ rights movement, which began in 1969, continues today. The Stonewall Riots, same-sex marriage legalization, and trans rights advancements achieved recognition and legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community. Now, all these achievements are under threat.
On January 20, Trump signed the executive order “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” This order mandates that all federal agencies recognize only two genders—male and female—as determined at birth. It also removes materials promoting gender ideology, stops funding for gender-affirming healthcare, and prohibits the use of gender-neutral pronouns in federal workplaces. Antitrans legislation fosters legal and social discrimination, creates a healthcare access crisis, and contributes to higher suicide rates and mental health decline. The administration has also initiated a comprehensive review of federal funding, leading to a freeze on grants and aid to organizations perceived as promoting “gender ideology,” endangering resources allocated to LGBTQ+ health, safety, and rights. On a broader scale, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) programs have been defunded in several states, reducing protections for marginalized groups. Workplace discrimination has surged, and same-sex marriage is under threat, with lawmakers suggesting revisiting Obergefell v. Hodges, the case that legalized same-sex marriage. Hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals have increased, fueled by negative political rhetoric against gender and sexual identity.
Questions of legality and constitutionality arise with the onslaught of these new orders. Multiple ongoing challenges and lawsuits have been filed against Trump’s policies, citing discrimination. Many of his policies target marginalized groups, potentially conflicting with the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, which ensures that policies do not disproportionately affect protected classes based on gender, race, or other factors. Courts have the power to strike down unconstitutional policies. However, Trump has broad authority under Article II of the Constitution regarding presidential directives. The President can issue executive orders and direct federal agencies, but this power is limited. Actions that violate constitutional rights, contradict existing laws, or overstep presidential authority can be ruled unconstitutional in court. The President cannot unilaterally overturn laws passed by Congress, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, but he can issue orders that change how agencies enforce or interpret those laws. For example, eliminating DEIA programs and restricting LGBTQ+ rights may violate clauses under the Civil Rights Act.
These executive orders have serious implications for the future of civil liberties, targeting workplace protections, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ freedoms. These changes undo decades of progress while also setting a dangerous precedent for future governance.
However, history has demonstrated that advocacy and action can drive change. Movements gain strength through numbers and determination—perseverance and passion have secured equality rights in the past. The same can happen now. Organizing fundraisers with friends, contacting community representatives, and sharing information through social media, public forums, and personal networks can spread awareness. Small acts such as showing public support, correcting misinformation, and amplifying silenced voices collectively create impact. One small step can lead to a significant movement. Speaking out and mobilizing against these policies is essential to defending civil rights and ensuring a future where equality is non-negotiable.
