Heritage president reacts to ‘Project 2025′ promptly dropping from liberals’ lips as DOGE takes ax to DC
In the midst of the intense 2024 election cycle, the buzz surrounding Project 2025 was at its peak among Democrats and mainstream media figures. However, the landscape changed dramatically with President Donald Trump’s victory, which led to the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the leadership of Elon Musk. This shift in focus saw the DOGE committees in Congress, led by Rep. Aaron Bean and Sen. Joni Ernst, taking the spotlight, while Project 2025 seemed to fade into the background.
Despite accusations linking Trump and Project 2025, the President vehemently denied any association with the policy proposal crafted by the conservative Heritage Foundation. Key figures within Heritage, such as Reagan Attorney General Edwin Meese and Heritage President Kevin Roberts, emphasized that Project 2025 has remained true to its nonpartisan roots since its inception in the 1980s.
Roberts underscored the mandate given by the American people to dismantle the bureaucratic Deep State, which aligned with the mission of DOGE. He dismissed criticisms from the left, labeling them as baseless fearmongering and reiterated the American people’s readiness for real change.
The perception of Project 2025 as a “right-wing boogeyman” was perpetuated by Democrats like Rep. Jared Huffman, who founded the “Stop Project 2025 Task Force” and characterized the project as regressive and detrimental to the middle and working class. This sentiment was echoed at the Democratic National Convention by figures like Rep. Jason Crow and Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who vilified Project 2025 as a dangerous plan to roll back progress.
Despite the heated rhetoric surrounding Project 2025, the implementation of DOGE policies, such as the restructuring of USAID and DHS, took a more measured approach. Former agency officials like Max Primorac and Ken Cuccinelli proposed reforms aimed at streamlining operations and reducing politicization within these government entities.
The contentious issue of reforming the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) also drew criticism from Democrats like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who accused DOGE of attempting to dismantle the agency. However, Project 2025 contributors like Robert Bowes argued for the abolition of the CFPB, citing its politicization and lack of accountability.
As media headlines attempted to tie DOGE to Project 2025, Roberts emphasized the expertise and commitment of individuals like Russ Vought in advancing the administration’s agenda. He praised the appointment of such individuals who embody Heritage’s principles, expressing confidence in their ability to rein in wasteful spending and restore fiscal discipline.
Overall, the evolution of the political landscape post-2024 election showcased the shifting priorities and strategies of the Trump administration, with DOGE taking center stage while Project 2025 receded from the spotlight. The ongoing debate surrounding these policy proposals underscores the challenges and complexities of governance in a highly polarized political environment.
