A convergence of crises from the Trump administration and the U.S. Supreme Court have created an urgent need for level-headed expertise in administrative law in the United States, and the Center for Progressive Reform is actively meeting this call. We do more than just defend against the far-right’s authoritarian and deregulatory agenda; we also seek opportunities to advance an affirmative, progressive vision for standards, safeguards, and the administrative state.
The second Trump administration has been working to quickly establish a distinctly authoritarian vision of our government and the administrative state. At the same time, the conservative federal judiciary has pursued its own anti-regulatory agenda. This far-right agenda is a serious threat facing U.S. democracy and our health, safety, and environment.
In contrast, an administrative state rebuilt and reimagined with a progressive vision — one that properly accounts for power disparities and consciously promotes procedural and substantive equity — would present a formidable bulwark against authoritarianism, as well as help create and maintain the conditions for a thriving, pluralistic democratic community that promotes our collective and individual well-being.
In collaboration and coalition with our partners and allies, the Center for Progressive Reform defends against the far-right’s authoritarian and deregulatory agenda, and we seek opportunities to advance a protective, progressive vision for standards, safeguards, and the administrative state at the federal, state, and local levels.
The Center focuses on the following areas and activities within its Responsive Government program:
The Center’s Responsive Government program approaches the issues of the administrative state at a time of increasing authoritarianism from a “trans-substantive” perspective. That is, our work aspires to be applicable to nearly any substantive policy area. Areas such as Climate Justice and Protecting Against Environmental Harm rely on Responsive Government insights and frameworks to achieve their substantive goals. The reverse is likewise true: These substantive areas give real-life urgency to the need for progressive governing institutions and help mobilize the political will needed to achieve a just and democratic administrative state.
Updated February 2026: The Center for Progressive Reform and Governing for Impact are monitoring the Trump administration’s implementation of Project 2025, tracking the authoritarian blueprint’s executive action proposals across 20 federal agencies.
By building a People’s Regulatory Agenda, we can make a clear statement about what our priorities are and how they contrast with that of the Trump administration. You can help.
A regulatory system rebuilt according to progressive principles can redistribute power back to the people, particularly members of structurally marginalized communities. A key element of this reform agenda is making the regulatory system more responsive and inclusive by providing meaningful opportunities for public participation at every stage of the process.
Your quick, secure donation goes a long way in helping us continue our work for a responsive government that serves we, the people. Please contribute today.
