In a move that adds a new dimension to the presidential transition landscape, former President Donald Trump is reportedly turning to the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), a right-wing think tank, to develop his own "America First Transition Project." This initiative, led by a team comprising former members of the Trump administration and MAGA supporters, aims to lay the groundwork for Trump's potential next term, according to a recent report from Politico.

The America First Policy Institute, separate from the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, will play a pivotal role in shaping Trump's transition plans. Trump's late announcement of Linda McMahon, chair of AFPI's board, to co-lead his transition team raised eyebrows, as it came at an unusually late stage in the election cycle. McMahon, a former professional wrestling executive who previously served as the head of the Small Business Administration under Trump's presidency, brings her experience and connections to the table.

Insiders familiar with the Trump team's transition preparations have suggested that AFPI holds significant influence over the process. While some emphasize that AFPI is not formally becoming the transition entity, others argue that the distinction may be negligible due to the organization's close proximity and the late stage of transition work. Politico quotes one lobbyist as stating that AFPI is "in the driver's seat" of the potential Trump team's transition efforts.

Kellyanne Conway, who chairs AFPI's Center for the American Child, shed light on the think tank's focus since Trump's previous administration. She emphasized AFPI's dedication to personnel and policy, highlighting the presence of senior staffers from the initial Trump administration who remain committed to being prepared from day one. Conway stressed the meticulous planning and execution of AFPI's initiatives under the leadership of Linda McMahon and Brooke Rollins.

Reports indicate that AFPI's team has embarked on extensive research, conducting over a thousand interviews with former administration officials, to understand the intricacies of managing the federal government. Additionally, the group has scrutinized and analyzed each of President Joe Biden's executive actions. Furthermore, AFPI has drafted more than a hundred proposed actions of their own. Their detailed research and policy proposals demonstrate their readiness to navigate the complexities of governance.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, AFPI does not disclose its donors but is known to have a substantial budget, with $23.6 million raised in 2022. Operating as a nonprofit restricts the group from openly endorsing a candidate, and thus AFPI has not overtly claimed any influence in the Trump campaign. This strategic approach may be a lesson learned from Trump's previous attempts to disassociate himself from the Heritage Foundation.

While AFPI has its own distinct identity, it aligns with the conservative think tank tradition, emphasizing key conservative ideals in its agenda. The group champions completing the construction of Trump's border wall, deregulating the federal government, restricting spending, and promoting oil and gas production. AFPI has also exhibited staunch opposition to unions, targeting those within the Veterans Administration and the Transportation Security Administration. McMahon, a well-known advocate for right-to-work laws, aims to undermine unions by allowing non-unionized workers to benefit from collective bargaining without paying "fair share" fees.

In a controversial move, AFPI has recently found itself aligned with election deniers in Georgia. The institute is currently supporting a lawsuit filed by Julie Adams, an election board official in Fulton County, seeking to determine whether her duty to certify election results is discretionary rather than ministerial in nature.

As the America First Policy Institute forges ahead with its "America First Transition Project," all eyes remain on the possibility of Trump's return to the political stage. With a strong team of former administration officials and dedicated supporters at the helm, AFPI aims to ensure a seamless transition should Trump secure another term, should he choose to pursue it.