Washington Governor-Elect Forms Subcommittee to Combat Project 2025
Washington governor-elect Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, announced the formation of a subcommittee within his transition team dedicated to fighting Project 2025. This initiative is expected to be pushed by the Trump Administration, despite President-elect Trump distancing himself from it during his campaign.
The committee will be co-chaired by Jennifer Allen, CEO of Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, and King County Councilmember Jorge L. Barón, who is also a former executive director of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. The goal of this subcommittee is to prepare for any potential attacks on Washingtonians’ core freedoms and to ensure the state continues to progress regardless of federal actions.
Project 2025, organized by the conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation, has been criticized for its authoritarian and Christian nationalist proposals. These recommendations include replacing civil service employees with Trump loyalists, abolishing the Department of Education, criminalizing pornography, cutting funding for Medicaid and Medicare, and rejecting abortion as healthcare.
Despite Trump distancing himself from Project 2025 during his campaign, he has appointed individuals involved in the initiative to key positions in his administration. This has raised concerns about the potential impact of such policies on civil liberties and the rights of Washington residents.
The subcommittee established by Governor-elect Ferguson will focus on safeguarding reproductive rights and protecting the rights of all Washingtonians, especially those at risk under the incoming federal administration. Policy priorities for the first 100 days in office will be established by the subcommittee, although specific proposals have not yet been released.
Overall, the formation of this subcommittee highlights the importance of defending civil liberties and ensuring the protection of fundamental rights for all residents of Washington state. Governor-elect Ferguson’s commitment to standing up against potentially harmful policies demonstrates his dedication to upholding the values of democracy and inclusivity within the state.
