About Alyce Wittenstein

Alyce Wittenstein is a world class attorney, blogger and filmmaker. She began working at the firm in 1985 as a managing paralegal, learning all the practices and procedures of the firm from Mr. Wittenstein and the staff. From 1995-1998, she attended CUNY Law School where she made a mark as a teaching assistant for Civil Rights leader Haywood Burns. She founded a Human Rights Delegation to Haiti and studied Constitutional Law with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Working at the Equal Opportunity Employment Commision (EEOC), she learned a great deal about Employment Discrimination matters. She brought her knowledge of the Personal Injury practice and her passion for Civil Rights to the firm when she was admitted to the Bar in 1999. In 2000, she became a partner and the firm name was changed to Wittenstein & Wittenstein, Esqs. PC.

Art as Power

Art is a form of power that operates through images rather than decree. It shapes perception, organizes memory, and gives structure to experiences that resist easy narration. Long before it persuades, art reorients: it trains attention, alters scale, and determines what is allowed to remain visible.

My own work begins from this premise. Images are not neutral, and symbols are never incidental. They accumulate meaning through repetition, circulation, and use—through being carried, held, worn, or encountered unexpectedly. Over time, certain forms insist on returning. A flower becomes a sign of refusal rather than ornament. A future date becomes a horizon rather than a prediction. These are not abstractions; they are working tools.

Throughout history, images have done work that laws and speeches cannot. They have carried dissent across borders, encoded refusal under regimes of surveillance, and preserved ways of seeing that institutions sought to erase. Art does not simply reflect power; it negotiates with it, absorbs its pressure, and—at times—outlasts it. Protest art makes this dynamic explicit. It demands clarity without simplification, endurance without stasis.

This writing approaches art as an active force rather than a finished object. It follows the development of visual language across projects—how symbols are pared down, stressed, tested, and redeployed. In works such as Resist Flower™, the image functions less as illustration than as a carrier: something meant to travel, to persist, and to remain legible under strain. In Project 2029, the visual field expands toward the future, using speculation not as fantasy but as a form of pressure on the present.

Art also operates where official systems fail. It holds grief that cannot be processed publicly, gives form to anger that has no sanctioned outlet, and creates coherence amid fragmentation. These are not sentimental claims. They are structural ones. Making and returning to images becomes a way of maintaining continuity when language collapses or is rendered unusable.

The posts here move between reflection and process. Some examine finished work; others remain unresolved, thinking through form, failure, and revision as part of the practice itself. Taken together, they reflect a belief that art is not supplemental to political or social life, but embedded within it—shaping how resistance is imagined, sustained, and remembered.

This is not art as decoration, nor art as explanation. It is art as a method of pressure, persistence, and attention: a way of holding ground when certainty is unavailable, and of insisting that meaning—however provisional—can still be made.

Art as Power

Executive Order – Jan 6 (Speculative)

SUMMARY

January 20, 2029

President Orders Preservation and Public Access to the Historical Record of the January 6 Attack on American Democracy

Today, the President signed an Executive Order directing the preservation, organization, and lawful public accessibility of the historical and judicial record related to the January 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol.

The Order affirms that while presidential pardons resolve criminal liability, they do not erase historical facts, judicial findings, or the public record. The initiative is designed to safeguard democratic memory, ensure transparency, and support civic education—without imposing punishment, stigma, or retaliation against any individual.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2029

President Signs Executive Order to Preserve January 6 Historical Record

The President today signed an Executive Order establishing a comprehensive, non-partisan effort to preserve and make accessible the historical and judicial record of the January 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol.

The Order directs the Department of Justice and the National Archives to preserve court opinions, trial records, sworn testimony, and other lawfully public documents arising from the prosecutions of January 6-related offenses. These materials will be organized into a centralized archival collection to ensure that the factual record remains available to the American people.

The Executive Order makes clear that presidential pardons—while constitutionally valid—do not alter historical facts or judicial findings. The initiative is expressly non-punitive and does not create any registry, surveillance mechanism, or additional legal consequence for any individual.

“This action is about memory, not punishment,” the President said. “A democracy cannot function if it forgets how it was tested.”

The preserved records may also be used for lawful, nonpartisan civic education, including instruction on constitutional governance, the peaceful transfer of power, and the rule of law.

EXECUTIVE ORDER

Preservation of the Historical Record of the January 6, 2021 Attack on American Democracy

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Purpose and Findings.

(a) On January 6, 2021, the United States Capitol was violently attacked during the constitutionally mandated certification of the Electoral College vote.

(b) Federal courts adjudicated hundreds of cases arising from these events, producing sworn testimony, judicial findings of fact, evidentiary records, and reasoned opinions.

(c) The presidential pardon power, while absolute with respect to criminal liability, does not alter historical facts, judicial findings, or the public record.

(d) A democratic society depends upon the accurate preservation of its history, particularly when constitutional processes are threatened.

(e) It is therefore in the national interest to ensure that the factual and judicial record of January 6, 2021 is preserved, organized, and made accessible to the public in a lawful, neutral, and non-punitive manner.

Section 2. Preservation of Records.

(a) The Attorney General, in coordination with the Archivist of the United States, shall take all lawful steps to preserve records related to the January 6, 2021 attack, including but not limited to:

  • Court opinions and orders

  • Indictments, informations, and plea agreements

  • Trial transcripts and admitted exhibits

  • Sentencing memoranda and judicial findings of fact

(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the disclosure of sealed records, protected personal information, or materials otherwise exempt from disclosure under federal law.

Section 3. Public Accessibility of Lawfully Available Records.

(a) To the extent permitted by law, the Archivist of the United States shall organize and make accessible existing public records related to January 6, 2021 through a centralized, non-editorial archival collection.

(b) Such collection shall:

  • Rely exclusively on lawfully public documents

  • Avoid characterizations, labels, or commentary

  • Clearly distinguish between factual records and interpretive materials

(c) No record shall be added, removed, or altered based on the granting or denial of a presidential pardon.

Section 4. Statement Regarding Pardons.

(a) This Order affirms that presidential pardons:

  • Relieve criminal liability

  • Do not constitute findings of innocence

  • Do not expunge judicial findings or historical facts

(b) Nothing in this Order shall be construed to impair the pardon power granted by Article II of the Constitution or to impose additional punishment, stigma, or legal disability on any individual.

Section 5. Civic Education and Democratic Institutions.

(a) The Archivist, in consultation with appropriate educational and civic institutions, may facilitate the use of preserved records for nonpartisan educational purposes, including instruction on:

  • Constitutional governance

  • The peaceful transfer of power

  • The role of courts and the rule of law

(b) All such efforts shall be factual, neutral, and consistent with existing law.

Section 6. Prohibition on Retaliation or Punitive Use.

Nothing in this Order shall be interpreted to:

  • Create a registry of individuals

  • Authorize surveillance or monitoring

  • Impose penalties, disabilities, or adverse consequences

  • Encourage harassment or retaliation

This Order is solely concerned with historical preservation and lawful transparency.

Section 7. General Provisions.

(a) Nothing in this Order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

  • The authority granted by law to any executive department or agency; or

  • The functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This Order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This Order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity.

THE WHITE HOUSE
January 20, 2029

Executive Order – Jan 6 (Speculative)

Executive Order – East Wing Restoration (Speculative)

SUMMARY

January 20, 2029

President Orders Removal of Unauthorized State Ballroom and Restoration of the White House East Wing

Today, the President signed an Executive Order directing the complete demolition of the recently completed White House State Ballroom and the reconstruction of the historic East Wing. The order restores essential presidential, public, and security functions eliminated by the East Wing’s demolition and affirms that the White House is a national trust held for institutional continuity—not personal legacy.

© 2025 Alyce Wittenstein. All Rights Reserved.

Project 2029 and all associated text, structure, and policy formulations are original copyrighted works. No portion may be reproduced, adapted, translated, or distributed without express written permission, except for brief quotations with attribution.

PRESS RELEASE

WASHINGTON — The President today signed an Executive Order mandating the removal of the newly completed White House State Ballroom and the full restoration of the White House East Wing to its historic footprint and function.

The East Wing, first constructed in 1902 and expanded in 1942, served as the White House’s public and operational front. It housed the Office of the First Lady and staff, the President’s theater, the primary visitor entrance and tour circulation, offices for Legislative Affairs and the White House Military Office, and the East Colonnade connecting to the Executive Residence. Beneath the East Wing, secure continuity-of-government infrastructure has long supported presidential operations.

In October 2025, the East Wing was demolished to construct a large State Ballroom. Although construction has since been completed, the President determined that the structure permanently displaced core institutional functions and materially altered the historic character of the White House complex.

The Executive Order declares the State Ballroom an unauthorized permanent structure, prohibits its use or maintenance, and directs its complete demolition. No portion of the structure will be retained or repurposed.

Following demolition, the Order directs the General Services Administration to reconstruct the East Wing as a historically accurate and functionally equivalent structure based on authenticated architectural records, restoring offices, circulation spaces, visitor access, and exterior massing. Security and continuity-of-government capabilities will be preserved throughout the process.

The Order establishes independent historic oversight and affirms that no future permanent structural changes to the White House may occur without express congressional authorization.

FULL EXECUTIVE ORDER

REMOVAL OF THE UNAUTHORIZED WHITE HOUSE STATE BALLROOM AND RESTORATION OF THE EAST WING

By the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Purpose and Findings

The White House is a national historic landmark, a secure federal workplace, and a public trust held for the American people. Its permanent structures must serve institutional, constitutional, and operational purposes rather than private legacy.

The White House East Wing, constructed in 1902 and expanded in 1942, historically housed essential functions including:
the Office of the First Lady;
the President’s theater;
the primary public entrance for White House visitors;
the East Colonnade connecting to the Executive Residence;
offices of the White House Military Office and Office of Legislative Affairs;
and secure continuity-of-government infrastructure located beneath the East Wing.

In October 2025, the East Wing was demolished and replaced with a newly constructed State Ballroom. That structure eliminated core operational, public-access, and institutional functions of the East Wing and materially altered the historic footprint of the White House complex.

Completion of construction does not confer legitimacy on a structure that undermines constitutional stewardship of the White House.

It is therefore the policy of the United States to remove the unauthorized State Ballroom and restore the East Wing to its historic and functional configuration.

Section 2. Declaration of Unauthorized Structure

The State Ballroom constructed on the site of the former East Wing is hereby declared an unauthorized permanent structure.

No federal funds shall be expended for its operation, maintenance, programming, or ceremonial use beyond actions necessary to ensure safety pending removal.

Section 3. Demolition Order

The Administrator of General Services, in consultation with the National Park Service, the United States Secret Service, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, shall:

(a) Develop and execute a plan for the complete demolition and removal of the State Ballroom;
(b) Ensure demolition is conducted in a manner that protects adjacent historic structures, grounds, and classified subterranean facilities;
(c) Complete demolition as expeditiously as practicable consistent with safety, security, and preservation standards.

No portion of the State Ballroom shall be retained, repurposed, or incorporated into future construction.

Section 4. Reconstruction of the East Wing

Following demolition, the Administrator of General Services shall reconstruct the White House East Wing as a historically accurate and functionally equivalent structure consistent with its documented pre-demolition configuration.

Reconstruction shall include, at a minimum:

(a) Offices for the First Lady and associated staff;
(b) The President’s theater;
(c) The primary visitor entrance and tour circulation spaces;
(d) Restoration of the East Colonnade connecting to the Executive Residence;
(e) Office space for the White House Military Office and Office of Legislative Affairs;
(f) Exterior massing, materials, and rooflines consistent with the historic East Wing.

Section 5. Security and Continuity Functions

Nothing in this Order shall be construed to impair, disclose, or diminish secure continuity-of-government facilities or capabilities located beneath the East Wing site.

The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Director of the United States Secret Service shall certify, prior to demolition and upon completion of reconstruction, that all security and emergency-response functions are preserved or enhanced.

Section 6. Oversight and Future Limitations

An Independent East Wing Restoration Oversight Panel shall be appointed within 30 days of this Order.

No future permanent structural addition to the White House complex shall occur absent express congressional authorization and compliance with federal historic preservation law.

Section 7. Effective Date

This Order is effective immediately and shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and appropriations

Executive Order – East Wing Restoration (Speculative)

Executive Order – Kennedy Center (Speculative)

SUMMARY

January 20, 2029

Today, the President signed an Executive Order restoring the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to its lawful name, memorial status, and independent governance. The Order voids unauthorized renaming actions taken on December 18, 2025, reaffirms congressional intent, and restores the Center as a national cultural institution held in trust for the American people—not as a vehicle for personal or political legacy.

FULL EXECUTIVE ORDER TEXT

[PASTE YOUR FULL EO TEXT HERE — unchanged]

PRESS RELEASE

WASHINGTON — The President today signed an Executive Order restoring the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to its proper legal name, memorial status, and governance structure.

The Kennedy Center was established by Congress as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy and was never intended to serve as a platform for personal branding or political self-memorialization. Actions taken in December 2025 to rename the institution were undertaken without congressional authorization and contrary to the Center’s founding statute.

This Executive Order reaffirms that national cultural institutions are held in public trust and exist for the benefit of the American people—not for individual aggrandizement.

© 2025 Alyce Wittenstein. All Rights Reserved.
Project 2029™ and all associated text, structure, and policy formulations are original copyrighted works.

POST 2 — EXECUTIVE ORDER

Title

Executive Order: Removal of Unauthorized White House State Ballroom and Restoration of the East Wing

Category

Executive Orders
(Optional tag: Day One)

SUMMARY

January 20, 2029

Today, the President signed an Executive Order directing the removal of the unauthorized White House State Ballroom and the reconstruction of the historic East Wing. The Order restores essential presidential, public, and security functions eliminated by the East Wing’s demolition and affirms that the White House is a national trust held for institutional continuity—not personal legacy.

FULL EXECUTIVE ORDER TEXT

[PASTE YOUR FULL EO TEXT HERE — unchanged]

PRESS RELEASE

WASHINGTON — The President today signed an Executive Order mandating the removal of the recently completed White House State Ballroom and the full restoration of the White House East Wing to its historic footprint and function.

The East Wing, first constructed in 1902 and expanded in 1942, served as the White House’s public and operational front. It housed the Office of the First Lady, visitor access points, and essential security infrastructure. Its demolition disrupted both institutional continuity and public access.

This Order restores the White House as a working seat of government, not a monument to individual ambition.

© 2025 Alyce Wittenstein. All Rights Reserved.
Project 2029™ and all associated text, structure, and policy formulations are original copyrighted works.

POST 3 — EXECUTIVE ORDER

Title

Executive Order: January 6 Accountability and Public Record Framework

Category

Executive Orders
(Optional tag: Day One)

SUMMARY

January 20, 2029

Today, the President signed an Executive Order establishing a January 6 Accountability and Public Record Framework. The Order affirms that presidential pardons do not erase historical fact, restores public access to accurate records of the January 6, 2021 attack, and directs federal agencies to preserve and disclose information necessary to uphold democratic accountability and the rule of law.

FULL EXECUTIVE ORDER TEXT

[PASTE YOUR FULL EO TEXT HERE — unchanged]

PRESS RELEASE

WASHINGTON — The President today signed an Executive Order establishing a comprehensive public accountability framework related to the January 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol.

While presidential pardons may affect criminal liability, they do not negate historical reality, civic responsibility, or the public’s right to an accurate record. This Order directs federal agencies to preserve, organize, and disclose factual information concerning January 6, ensuring transparency for the American people and future generations.

Democracy requires memory. This Order ensures it.

Executive Order – Kennedy Center (Speculative)

Introducing Project 2029

Project 2029 began as a deliberate shift in how I use imagination.

More than thirty-five years ago, I made dystopian films that imagined political and social futures shaped by fear, institutional failure, and concentration of power. At the time, those futures felt exaggerated—useful as warnings, but safely distant from reality. Over time, many of the conditions those films explored stopped feeling speculative and began to feel familiar.

That experience changed how I think about storytelling and political imagination. If dystopian futures can move from fiction into lived experience, then imagination is not neutral. It shapes what people expect, accept, and resign themselves to. Project 2029 is a conscious decision to move in the opposite direction—to use imagination not to warn, but to build.

Project 2029 is a speculative policy project built on a clear assumption: progressive Democrats win governing power in a decisive landslide and choose to govern decisively. The project does not argue for that outcome, respond to opponents, or engage in contemporary political debate. It begins after the election is over and the mandate is established.

From that starting point, Project 2029 asks a practical question: what policies could be enacted when a governing majority has a mandate and chooses to govern decisively?

The project unfolds through fictional executive orders, agency directives, policy initiatives, and proposed constitutional amendments. These documents are written in the language of real governance—procedural, specific, and institutional. They focus on systems rather than slogans: how policies are implemented, how benefits are administered, how rights are enforced, and how power is redistributed through law and regulation.

The policies imagined in Project 2029 address material conditions. They assume large-scale action on labor, healthcare, housing, education, climate infrastructure, childcare, antitrust enforcement, and democratic participation. In this world, ambition is not treated as reckless or aspirational. It is treated as ordinary.

One of the goals of Project 2029 is normalization. Many policy ideas that enjoy broad public support are still framed as unrealistic or politically dangerous. By presenting them as routine acts of governance—calmly, clearly, and without apology—the project invites readers to imagine these outcomes as achievable features of everyday political life.

Project 2029 is intentionally optimistic. That optimism is not sentimental; it is strategic. Political participation depends on belief that engagement matters. Project 2029 is designed to educate, to build familiarity with progressive policy ideas, and to help create the cultural conditions in which those ideas can become popular, legible, and worth turning out to vote for.

This blog will introduce Project 2029 documents as they are released and provide context for the assumptions and policy logic behind them. Together, they form a speculative but concrete blueprint for what governing with confidence could look like.

Project 2029 exists because imagination matters.
If dystopian futures can come true, so can better ones.

→ Read Project 2029

Introducing Project 2029