MSNBC commentator Chris Hayes recently highlighted Project 2025’s proposed pornography ban during his show “All In,” categorizing it among the initiative’s “unhinged wish list” of conservative proposals. This inclusion is notable as many other liberal and Democratic critics of Project 2025 have not specifically mentioned the proposed ban on pornography.
Project 2025 and its Proposals
Project 2025 is an initiative spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation, with some of its leaders identified as former Trump staffers. These individuals have stated their aim to staff a potential Donald Trump White House in January 2025. The initiative encompasses a range of conservative and far-right policy proposals, detailed in a 900-page document described as a guide for a potential second Trump administration.
Hayes described Project 2025 as a “straight-up dictatorial fantasy of control over the American people” and a “wish list of a bunch of fringe, far-right policy proposals.” He stated that a “small coterie of hard-right zealots” intends to exert control over various aspects of life, including what people look at, read, mail, and their healthcare. The proposals include policies such as renaming the Department of Health and Human Services to the Department of Life, and addressing abortion and healthcare access for women.
Among the proposals Hayes listed were crackdowns on LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, access to sexual health, and supposedly “woke” activism. He also mentioned proposals concerning abortion rights. Specifically regarding pornography, Hayes stated, “Pornography should be outlawed. The people who produce and distribute it should be imprisoned.”
The document also outlines plans to “weaponize the Department of Justice as a tool directly under the control of Donald Trump,” with the Department of Justice falling “under the direct supervision and control the president.”
Industry and Political Reactions
The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) issued a warning last month to the adult industry and sex workers regarding Project 2025. The FSC characterized the initiative as “an aggressive and dangerous right-wing policy proposal that could have severe implications for our industry and community.”
XBIZ and members of the adult industry, along with sex workers, have been raising concerns about Project 2025’s censorship proposals since August of last year. This was when Dame magazine’s Brynn Tannehill first reported on Project 2025’s “Mandate for Leadership” blueprint.
The Washington Post published an article in November stating that much of the planning for a second Trump term “has been unofficially outsourced to a partnership of right-wing think tanks in Washington.” This group, identified as “Project 2025,” is developing a plan, including draft executive orders, that would deploy the military domestically under the Insurrection Act, according to a person involved in those conversations and internal communications reviewed by the paper.
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump attempted to distance himself from Project 2025 last week. He posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, “I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they’re saying and some of the things they’re saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them.” This statement came almost a year after the initiative's aims were first reported.
Taraji B. Henson also brought awareness to Project 2025 while hosting the BET Awards on Sunday, encouraging viewers to vote and stating, “The Project 2025 plan is not a game.”
Key Facts
- MSNBC commentator Chris Hayes discussed Project 2025’s proposed pornography ban on his show “All In.”
- Project 2025 is spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation and includes leaders who are former Trump staffers.
- The initiative’s proposals include outlawing pornography and imprisoning those who produce and distribute it.
- The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) warned the adult industry and sex workers about Project 2025’s potential implications.
- Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that he knows nothing about Project 2025 and disagrees with some of its proposals.
- The Washington Post reported that Project 2025 is developing plans, including draft executive orders, to deploy the military domestically.
