This week marks the beginning of the Republican National Convention, held in Wisconsin amid heightened tensions following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. As Trump prepares to accept the GOP’s official nomination, the convention is set to be a pivotal moment for his campaign and the future of the Republican Party.

It’s unclear whether Trump’s “Agenda 47” will be a central theme at the convention. The plan outlines his vision should the convicted felon secure a second term. Despite Trump and his allies distancing themselves from Project 2025, especially after Taraji P. Henson urged viewers to investigate it at the BET Awards, the policy proposals in Agenda 47 align with many of its tenets.

The Republican National Convention will feature speeches from Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance. Last night’s speakers included Amber Rose, who recently went viral for her bizarre endorsement of Trump; Rep. Byron Donalds (FL-19), who faced criticism for ahistorical comments about Jim Crow and the Black family; and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, the only Black Republican in the U.S. Senate known for his stance against systemic racism and opposition to policies like the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. See Scott’s clip below, claiming Trump is a “lion.”

There were rumors that rapper 50 Cent may appear, but that has been denied. 

The convention at the Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee will run from Monday through Thursday. The event is strategically placed in Wisconsin, a battleground state. Trump narrowly lost Wisconsin to Biden in 2020 and filed a lawsuit claiming election fraud, which was unsuccessful.

Trump's speech is scheduled for Thursday evening. 

Agenda 47: Key Proposals

Trump’s Agenda 47 is strangely laid out in 46 videos on Trump’s campaign page. As The Washington Post noted, “Very few people discuss the elements of Agenda 47, Trump himself very much included. That’s largely because they were created for and targeted at the Republican presidential primaries, not his actual bid to unseat President Biden.” The last time Agenda 47 was updated was in December 2023. 

One notable proposal is the creation of "freedom cities" on federal land, which is envisioned to include flying cars. However, there is no explanation of how these “freedom cities” will be paid for or who will be included or excluded. 

In addressing homelessness, Trump proposes creating tent cities on federal land where the homeless can be relocated. He also plans to designate Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and impose the death penalty on drug dealers. 

Law enforcement policies include reinstating the controversial "stop-and-frisk" practice, deploying the National Guard to restore order in liberal-led cities, and investigating prosecutors who refuse to punish disorder.

Trump's agenda plans to crack down on gender-affirming care for minors, ban critical race theory in schools, and introduce a tax credit for teachers who undergo firearms training to address school shootings. His immigration policies include ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants and fully securing the southern border.

Project 2025: Influence and Criticism

Although Trump claims to know nothing about Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation's influence on his campaign is undeniable. Project 2025, with its extensive policy roadmap and personnel database, offers a detailed preview of what a second Trump term might look like. The project advocates for significant cuts to the Department of Education, expanded presidential powers, and strict immigration policies.

Critics argue that Trump's close association with the Heritage Foundation indicates a potential shift towards more extreme conservative policies. Many of Trump’s allies created Project 2025, suggesting that its proposals will likely inform his agenda.

As the convention unfolds, both supporters and critics will scrutinize Trump's "Agenda 47" and its alignment with Project 2025. The convention aims to solidify Trump's base while addressing the broader American electorate's concerns, setting the stage for the upcoming presidential election.

Stay informed and engaged as the political landscape evolves, and remember the importance of active participation in our democratic processes.