NEW YORK — The director of the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 vision for a full review of the federal government has resigned, a spokesperson for the think tank confirmed on Tuesday.
Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts said in a statement that the group is sticking to its original timeline and Paul Dans’ departure comes after the project “completed exactly what it set out to do: bring together more than 110 leading conservative organizations to create a unified conservative vision, motivated to devolve power from the unelected administrative state and return it to the people. This tool was built to be used by any future administration.”
But the news came after former President Donald Trump increasingly rejected and criticized Project 2025, sparking speculation that his campaign forced it out.
“President Trump’s campaign has been very clear for over a year that Project 2025 has nothing to do with the campaign, does not speak for the campaign, and should not be associated with the campaign or the president in any way,” said Susie, Trump campaign advisor. Wiles and Chris LaCivita said in a statement: “Reports on the end of Project 2025 would be most welcome and should serve as a warning to any person or group trying to misrepresent their influence with President Trump and his campaign – this will not end well for you”.
Many Trump allies and former aides contributed to the project, which proposes a mass layoff of government employees and sweeping changes to American life. Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign and top Democrats have repeatedly linked Trump to Project 2025 as they argue against a second Trump term.
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Associated Press writers Michelle L. Price in New York and Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed to this report.
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