Former President Donald Trump’s team celebrated the resignation of Project 2025’s director, Paul Dans, distancing itself from the controversial policy program.

The Trump team emphasized that Project 2025 does not have any connection to the former president's campaign, which follows its own policy plan, Agenda47, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Paul stepped down from his position as the director of Project 2025 on Tuesday afternoon. The initiative, commonly linked to the Trump campaign by Democrats, aimed to devolve power from the unelected administrative state to the people.

Project 2025 was initiated in April 2022 and sought to unify over 110 conservative organizations around a shared vision. Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, described the project as one designed to create “a unified conservative vision.”

Project 2025 Initiated In 2022

Dans had previously led the 2025 Presidential Transition Project and served during Trump's administration. However, Project 2025 has consistently been a point of controversy, particularly on issues like abortion, with Democrats labeling it extreme.

Roberts confirmed the intended timeline for the project, stating that policy operations were to conclude after the two party conventions this year.

Despite winding down policy operations after completing transition recommendations, Roberts indicated that personnel operations would continue.

Trump’s campaign, steering clear of Project 2025, highlighted their disconnection from it. Advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita conveyed in a joint statement that Trump’s campaign had no involvement with Project 2025. They reiterated that any attempt to associate Trump with the project is misguided.

Division Between Project 2025 And Trump

Staffers within Project 2025 are considering leaving to avoid negatively impacting a future Trump administration. Concerns have grown due to the criticism surrounding the policy program and its acknowledged lack of support among Republicans. A YouGov poll from early July showed that only 26% of Republicans supported Project 2025.

Paul Dans, in a parting message to his staff, called the criticisms a “disinformation campaign.” He emphasized that the aim was to falsely link Trump with the project, underscoring the separation between Trump and Project 2025.

Kevin Roberts praised Dans for his leadership and dedication over the past two years. He highlighted Dans' departure from Project 2025 and his continued efforts on behalf of the initiative, describing the initiative as an essential tool for future administrations.

End Of Policy Program Heralded

In their statement, Trump’s advisers were unequivocal: Project 2025 has no association with Trump. “Reports of Project 2025’s demise would be greatly welcomed,” the advisers stated, asserting that any group misrepresenting their influence with Trump would face repercussions.

The Heritage Foundation confirmed on Tuesday that Project 2025 had completed its primary objectives. Moving forward, the project’s personnel network for policymakers at all levels would remain operational.

No Connection to Trump's Agenda47

Although Project 2025 was initially intended to shape future conservative administrations, Trump’s camp maintains their Agenda47 policy plan. This distinction is essential for Trump’s campaign strategy, particularly in its effort to attract swing voters.

Dans’ resignation comes at a time when the project’s influence is being questioned. Despite its ambitious goal of restructuring the administrative state, political analysts speculate that Project 2025’s divisive nature may have deterred broader support.

Conclusion

In summary, Paul Dans’ resignation marks a significant moment for Project 2025, a policy program that has been the subject of considerable controversy.

Trump’s campaign has firmly distanced itself from Project 2025, emphasizing its independent Agenda47 policy plan. Dans’ leadership and the project’s achievements were highlighted, while the campaign celebrated the dissociation from the controversial policy.

Going forward, Project 2025’s personnel operations will continue, but the policy initiative as originally envisioned appears to be winding down.