During Donald Trump's second presidential term, his administration has appointed several individuals who contributed to the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, a detailed plan proposing significant changes to federal governance. Notable figures include Russell Vought, Tom Homan, Stephen Miller, and Lindsey Burke, all of whom played roles in drafting the extensive policy document known as the 'Mandate for Leadership.'

Despite the administration's assertions that Project 2025 does not guide its policy-making, the involvement of these individuals suggests a strong alignment with the initiative's objectives. In mid-December 2025, the Heritage Foundation communicated its intention to collaborate with the Trump administration to implement its proposals.

The following individuals, among others, have been identified as contributors to Project 2025 and have since taken on significant roles within the Trump administration:

- **Russell Vought**: Director of the Office of Management and Budget, previously served in the same role during Trump's first term. He authored a chapter advocating for expanded presidential powers.
- **Tom Homan**: Appointed as the 'border czar' for immigration enforcement, he was previously acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- **Stephen Miller**: Now serving as White House deputy chief of staff, he was a senior policy adviser during Trump's first term and leads America First Legal, a group listed as a coalition partner in Project 2025.
- **Karoline Leavitt**: Currently the White House press secretary, she was involved in training potential applicants for the Trump administration as part of Project 2025.
- **Brendan Carr**: Appointed chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), he contributed to Project 2025 by advocating for scrutiny of large technology companies.
- **Adam Candeub**: Now general counsel of the FCC, he wrote about antitrust law in the context of Project 2025.
- **John Ratcliffe**: Appointed director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), he contributed to discussions on intelligence spending related to China.
- **Peter Navarro**: As White House trade adviser, he has been vocal about trade deficits and tariffs, reflecting the project's economic recommendations.
- **Paul Atkins**: Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), he has called for deregulation of financial markets.
- **Jonathan Berry**: Chief attorney for the Department of Labor, he has distanced himself from Project 2025 during his confirmation process.
- **Mora Namdar**: A senior official at the State Department, she has advocated for reducing funding for public service media.
- **Lindsey Burke**: Deputy chief of staff for policy and programs in the Education Department, she has proposed dismantling the agency.

The administration's reliance on individuals associated with Project 2025 raises questions about the potential prioritization of corporate interests and conservative ideologies over broader social equity and public welfare. Additionally, the administration has faced scrutiny for its hiring practices, with reports suggesting a personnel database created by Project 2025 leaders was used to identify candidates for federal positions.

As of December 2025, at least one individual, Gene Hamilton, who contributed to Project 2025 and served in the Trump administration, has left his federal position to return to America First Legal. The ongoing collaboration between the Trump administration and Project 2025 contributors indicates a significant influence of conservative policy frameworks on federal governance.