Former President Trump has distanced himself from the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, asserting he has no involvement with it and labeling parts of it as completely outlandish and unacceptable. Trump disassociated from the initiative on Truth Social, stating he was unaware of the individuals behind the project, which provides guidance for future Republican presidents on implementing conservative policies.
Trump emphasized his lack of knowledge about Project 2025 and criticized its recommendations, expressing that while he wishes the initiative well, he has no ties to it. The project, launched in April 2023, is designed as a strategic guide for restructuring the U.S. government under a conservative administration and is not connected to Trump’s campaign.
A spokesperson for Project 2025 reiterated that the initiative does not represent any particular candidate or campaign but serves as a coalition of over 110 conservative groups offering policy suggestions for the next conservative president. They noted that while the final decisions rest with the future president, they believe Trump would be likely to consider their recommendations.
Trump’s comments came shortly after Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts sparked controversy with remarks about a “second American Revolution” during an appearance on Steve Bannon’s radio show. Roberts suggested the current political battle would remain non-violent only if the left refrains from escalation.
Project 2025 outlines extensive plans for overhauling various government departments and agencies, including contributions from former Trump administration officials. For example, Ken Cuccinelli, a former DHS official under Trump, criticized the Department of Homeland Security’s current state in a chapter of the project.
The Biden campaign has used Project 2025 as a focal point to critique Trump’s 2024 presidential run, projecting QR codes in Atlanta linking to a page claiming the project would grant Trump excessive power, undermine democratic checks and balances, and restrict freedoms if he were re-elected. The Biden campaign contends the project reflects Trump’s agenda to centralize power in the Oval Office and limit constitutional rights.
In response, Project 2025 accused the Biden campaign of being overly fixated on their plans and suggested they should instead consider the 25th Amendment. Other Democrats, including Rep. Madeleine Dean, have criticized Project 2025 as contrary to American values, arguing it seeks to replace civil servants with loyalists.
Despite Project 2025’s propositions, Trump has outlined his own plans for a potential second term, including significant government restructuring, extensive deportation operations, and broad tariffs on imports. His campaign has cautioned outside groups against claiming to speak for him, indicating that their preemptive transition plans are not aligned with his strategy.
Project 2025 includes notable former Trump administration officials, such as Paul Dans, Russ Vought, and John McEntee, who have all played significant roles in the initiative.
