Trump Distances Himself from Project 2025 Amid Controversy
MIAMI (AP) — Former President Donald Trump has made headlines once again, this time by distancing himself from Project 2025, a proposed overhaul of the federal government that has sparked controversy and concern among political circles.
In a recent social media post, Trump stated, “I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they’re saying and some of the things they’re saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them.”
The 922-page plan, drafted by longtime allies and former officials in Trump’s administration, outlines a dramatic expansion of presidential power and a plan to replace as many as 50,000 government workers with Trump loyalists. President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign has seized on the agenda, calling attention to it as Biden works to maintain support within his own party.
Biden himself has criticized Trump’s connection to Project 2025, stating, “He’s trying to hide his connections to his allies’ extreme Project 2025 agenda. The only problem? It was written for him, by those closest to him. Project 2025 should scare every single American.”
Despite Trump’s denial of involvement, some key figures associated with Project 2025 have ties to his administration. The project’s director, Paul Dans, served as chief of staff at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management under Trump, and Trump’s campaign spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, was featured in one of Project 2025’s videos.
The controversy surrounding Project 2025 has only intensified in recent days, with Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts suggesting on a podcast that Republicans are “in the process of taking this country back” and former U.S. Rep. Dave Brat of Virginia hinting at a “second American Revolution.”
Biden’s campaign has condemned these statements, accusing Trump and his allies of “dreaming of a violent revolution to destroy the very idea of America.” The campaign spokesperson, Ammar Moussa, described Project 2025 as an “extreme policy and personnel playbook for Trump’s second term that should scare the hell out of the American people.”
As the Republican Party prepares to draft its party platform, the future of Project 2025 remains uncertain. While Trump has distanced himself from the agenda, the project’s organizers maintain that they are advocating for policy and personnel recommendations for the next conservative president, with many believing that president will be Trump.
With tensions running high and the 2024 election on the horizon, the debate over Project 2025 is likely to continue as both parties navigate the political landscape.