SUMMARY

Former President Trump has distanced himself from Project 2025, the handbook for a new conservative government written by several right-wing think tanks. It comes as Democrats double down on messaging tying Trump directly to the playbook ahead of the November election.

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KEY TERMS

think tank - a group of experts brought together, usually by a government, to develop ideas on a particular subject and to make suggestions for action

stump speech - a speech that a politician makes in different places in order to get political support

civil servant - someone who works for the government (not military)

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Who are the key authors of Project 2025?
2. Where did these key authors previously serve?
3. What does Project 2025 propose?
4. When does this year's presidential election take place?
5. Why do Donald Trump and individuals behind Project 2025 want to overhaul the Department of Justice?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

How does the recent Supreme Court decision regarding presidential immunity affect Project 2025?

Media literacy: Do you think a political party should be able to influence the decisions that the Department of Justice makes?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?

FOR MORE

What students can do:

Learn more about how the recent Supreme Court ruling on immunity reshapes presidential power using this Daily News Lesson: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/daily-news-lessons/2024/07/supreme-court-immunity-ruling-reshapes-presidential-power

You may also want to check about the Supreme Court and the criminalization of homeless encampments link: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/daily-news-lessons/2024/07/supreme-court-criminalizes-homeless-encampments-limits-agency-power

This post was written by Gianfranco Beran, a senior at Amherst College, and an intern with PBS NewsHour Classroom, and edited by NewsHour's Vic Pasquantonio.

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