Dark force? Think tank that has the president-elect's ear
The Independent|November 11, 2024
From requiring ultrasounds for women seeking abortions to the enforcement of mass deportation policies, the America First Policy Institute has created an extremist platform for the incoming Trump administration, writes Ariana Baio
Ariana Baio
Dark force? Think tank that has the president-elect's ear

Donald Trump spent the past few months vehemently denying he or his campaign is closely tied to the Heritage Foundation the right-wing think tank responsible for publishing Project 2025, a controversial list of policy ideas aimed at consolidating executive power.

But there’s another rising influential right-wing think tank that has developed its own extremist platform for the new Trump administration: the America First Policy Institute (AFPI). Founded in 2021 by two former Trump administration officials, AFPI has quietly grown its team, increased revenue and expanded its policy ideas to become an influential force in the Maga world.

AFPI’s plans include requiring ultrasounds for people obtaining abortions (even for medication abortions), making civil servants easier to sack by changing them to at-will employees, and reversing gun control laws – just to name a few.

The organisation’s chair, Linda McMahon, is already an official member of Trump’s presidential transition team – making it even more likely the president-elect will adopt some of its policies in his second term. AFPI’s agenda consists of 10 “pillars” to reshape the executive branch and enact changes that it claims will improve the United States – in a similar but less organised fashion than the 900-page Project 2025.

The Heritage Foundation and AFPI mirror each other’s overall goals and ideas, including: drastic cuts to federal agencies, installing loyalists over qualified individuals, scaling back abortion rights, restricting assistance to allies and more.

Here are the major focus points of the AFPI’s plan that could end up becoming government policy.

The economy

Increasing pressure on the Federal Reserve, isolating the US economy, cutting back government assistance and expanding oil and gas drilling projects are major themes of AFPI’s proposed economic policies.

Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin November 11, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin November 11, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE INDEPENDENT DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Why home advantage has lost its sting in Test series.
The Independent

Why home advantage has lost its sting in Test series.

“The tour is only a matter of hours old, but the wry thought occurs to me that reputations will almost certainly be destroyed in the next few months.”

time-read
4 dak  |
November 28, 2024
North can't compete with south's individual X factor
The Independent

North can't compete with south's individual X factor

Ex-Lions captain Sam Warburton has a theory why southern hemisphere teams have dominated the autumn internationals

time-read
4 dak  |
November 28, 2024
Aimless Villa stagger to bore draw against Juventus
The Independent

Aimless Villa stagger to bore draw against Juventus

Aston Villa and Unai Emery have run out of ideas, far too early in the Spaniard’s previously exhilarating revolution.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 28, 2024
Reds humble Real and Slot does what Klopp could not
The Independent

Reds humble Real and Slot does what Klopp could not

A few weeks ago, it was possible to look at Arne Slot’s seemingly impressive start at Liverpool, adopt a sceptical tone and ask who they had really beaten.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 28, 2024
Vauxhall's closure shows No 10 must recharge EV rules
The Independent

Vauxhall's closure shows No 10 must recharge EV rules

Electric vehicles aren't selling in the volume anticipated and James Moore says government is right to order a swift review

time-read
3 dak  |
November 28, 2024
Nationwide banks £2bn in takeover of Virgin Money
The Independent

Nationwide banks £2bn in takeover of Virgin Money

Nationwide has gained £2.3bn following its acquisition of Virgin Money, according to the firm’s half-year results.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2024
Red Sea boat survivors were trapped in cabins, says diver
The Independent

Red Sea boat survivors were trapped in cabins, says diver

Two Britons who were on the yacht remain unaccounted for

time-read
2 dak  |
November 28, 2024
Record snowfall leaves Seoul scrambling to cope
The Independent

Record snowfall leaves Seoul scrambling to cope

Transport chaos and power cuts hit city as two die on roads

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2024
Myanmar junta chief faces crimes against humanity charge for Rohingya deaths
The Independent

Myanmar junta chief faces crimes against humanity charge for Rohingya deaths

Arrest warrant requested by International Criminal Court

time-read
3 dak  |
November 28, 2024
Lebanon ceasefire is part of plan to keep Trump on side
The Independent

Lebanon ceasefire is part of plan to keep Trump on side

Benjamin Netanyahu knows the incoming president won't be happy if the Gaza war drags on, writes Chris Stevenson, so he is turning his attention to Iran to buy himself some time

time-read
3 dak  |
November 28, 2024