NEW YORK — The director of a significant conservative initiative aimed at reshaping the federal government has stepped down amid rising pressure from the camp of former President Donald Trump. This departure follows Trump’s ongoing effort to distance himself from a program largely supported by his allies and former aides.
Paul Dans’ resignation occurred after the project successfully assembled over 110 leading conservative organizations, aimed at redistributing power from the unelected administrative state back to the people, according to a statement from Heritage Foundation leaders.
In recent months, Democrats have prominently featured this initiative as they campaign against a potential second term for Trump, highlighting the ultraconservative agenda as indicative of the extreme measures that could define another Trump administration.
The nearly 1,000-page document proposes substantial changes to federal operations, including personnel policies designed to enhance loyalty to the president among government employees.
Despite its significance, Trump has publicly disavowed the document, insisting he has never read it and dismissing it during a recent rally as authored by individuals on the “severe right,” describing some of its provisions as “seriously extreme.”
Trump’s campaign has been vocal regarding their complete dissociation from the initiative, underscoring that it should not be associated with the campaign or the former president.
Meanwhile, Ohio Senator JD Vance offered a foreword to an upcoming book that praises the Heritage Foundation’s influence, emphasizing its role in shaping Republican ideologies over the decades.
Trump campaign officials did not clarify whether there was pressure for Dans to resign, while the Heritage Foundation reiterated that Dans left voluntarily. The initiative was seen as a preparatory measure for a possible Trump administration, including a compilation of policies to be enacted immediately.
As the project faced scrutiny, it became apparent that it was becoming a liability for Trump’s campaign, particularly as top Democrats associated Trump with the initiative during their own campaigns.
The Harris campaign reiterated that Project 2025 remains intertwined with Trump’s agenda, posing a risk to his electoral aspirations.
Despite the shakeup, the project’s website will remain active as it continues to maintain a sizable database of potential personnel aimed at executing its vision for governance. Moving forward, Roberts will oversee the operations of Project 2025.
Recent remarks by Roberts have attracted criticism, particularly his suggestion that the nation is experiencing a “second American Revolution.”
In summary, the dynamic surrounding Project 2025 continues to evolve as the Trump campaign grapples with its implications leading into the election season.
