The Trump campaign tried to distance itself from the conservative Project 2025 playbook, despite close connections between the two groups. Project 2025, led by the Heritage Foundation, outlined a wish list for the first 180 days of the “next conservative administration” and had an application-only recruitment effort for loyalists. Trump disavowed the project on his social media platform, calling parts of it “absolutely ridiculous and abysmal.” However, former Trump administration officials and campaign personnel were heavily involved in the project, raising questions about the disconnect.
Despite Trump’s claims of having no involvement in Project 2025, key figures from his administration contributed to the manifesto. The recruitment efforts included appearances from people close to Trump, such as Stephen Miller. The Project 2025 academy aimed to prepare future political appointees for the next conservative administration, with instruction from Leavitt, among others.
It’s clear that there are significant ties between Trump and Project 2025, despite attempts to distance from the playbook. The involvement of former officials raises concerns about transparency and the influence of conservative organizations on political agendas.