A new analysis by the Center for American Progress details how Project 2025, described as an extreme far-right playbook, intends to use the U.S. Department of Justice to compel local prosecutors to enforce policies such as abortion bans. Failure to comply could result in federal lawsuits, removal from office, or even criminal prosecution. The policy aims to ensure strict enforcement of abortion bans, potentially exacerbating the crisis in reproductive care and increasing fears of criminalization among medical providers who offer abortion services within existing legal frameworks.
The report highlights that similar strategies are already being implemented in states with right-wing leadership. In 2022, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis removed the district attorney for the Tampa Bay area after he refused to prosecute individuals seeking or providing abortion care under Florida’s six-week abortion ban. Georgia and Texas have also adopted measures allowing the removal of local prosecutors at the discretion of conservative legislators and elected officials.
“Project 2025’s proposal emboldens right-wing state officials to attempt removal of political opponents at the local level and will likely have a chilling effect on how prosecutors do their jobs,” said Lindsey McLendon, senior fellow for Criminal Justice Reform and author of the article. “This agenda will make it easier for a far-right administration to impose its vision of the law without safeguards and will target individuals seeking to protect their reproductive rights and access to care they deserve.”
The full article titled “Project 2025 Compels Local Prosecutors To Enforce Extreme Right-Wing Laws” is authored by Lindsey McLendon.
For further information or expert commentary, contact Jasmine Razeghi at [email protected].
