The Heritage Foundation dismissed Paul Dans, the former director of Project 2025, following allegations of “dismissive and unprofessional” conduct in the workplace. Despite Dans' claims that his termination was politically motivated, Heritage firmly maintains that internal issues prompted the decision.

Dans' dismissal came after an internal review prompted by reports of inappropriate behavior, Fox News reported.

The Heritage Foundation revealed on a Friday that the firing stemmed from Dans' interactions with colleagues, not from external political scrutiny or fallout from Project 2025. The Heritage Foundation developed Project 2025 as a conservative initiative to shape future governance, attracting criticism from Democratic circles.

Heritage Foundation Reviews Dans' Conduct

Initial reports in July indicated that Dans had stepped down from his position as director of Project 2025. However, Heritage later confirmed that they fired him after completing a review of his workplace conduct. Kelly Adams, the director of people operations at Heritage, explained that the decision was the result of specific "disconcerting interactions" that surfaced during this review.

Adams stated that Dans had demonstrated a "dismissive and unprofessional" attitude in his dealings with colleagues, which led to his removal from the organization. "After some specific disconcerting interactions were brought to the attention of senior management, an internal review was conducted," Adams said. "A decision was made to separate Mr. Dans' employment as amicably as possible."

The Heritage Foundation, through Adams, made it clear that the decision was necessary to protect the integrity of the workplace environment. The organization emphasized its commitment to maintaining a positive, respectful working culture for its staff.

Dans Challenges Termination, Calls It Scapegoating

In response to his termination, Dans has contested Heritage's justification and claimed that they used him as a scapegoat. He alleged that the Heritage Foundation had mishandled the public relations challenges surrounding Project 2025 and was now blaming him for their difficulties. "I was made a scapegoat by The Heritage Foundation to cover up for their own mishandling of the public relations fiasco over Project 2025," Dans stated in a public defense of his actions.

Furthermore, Dans claimed that Heritage was unfairly attacking his personal and professional reputation. "It appears that the Heritage Foundation continues to trash my good name and professional reputation for their benefit," he added. Despite these accusations, Heritage has denied any ulterior motives behind the firing.

Heritage Responds To Dans' Allegations

In the wake of Dans' criticisms, the Heritage Foundation has defended its decision to terminate him. Adams stated that Dans disappointed the organization by choosing to involve the media and accused him of using the "liberal media" to push back against Heritage's stance. He reinforced that documented behavior, not a political agenda, rooted the rationale for the dismissal.

Heritage further asserted that they would not allow Dans to spread false accusations. "We will not allow him to falsely attack Heritage and its people without defending the difficult decision to terminate Paul’s employment based on facts," Adams explained.

New Reports On Dans' Behavior Emerge

Additional reports have surfaced concerning Dans’ conduct during the Republican National Convention in July. Colleagues alleged that Dans cursed at them during this event, and Heritage President Kevin Roberts later reprimanded him. These incidents reportedly contributed to the internal review that led to his firing.

Following his termination, Dans also reportedly requested $3.1 million from Heritage, a demand that the organization promptly rejected. Despite this, tensions remain between Dans and his former employer, with both sides continuing to present differing accounts of his departure.

Dans Criticizes Trump's Campaign Management

Since his firing, Dans has not only criticized the Heritage Foundation but has also taken aim at Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign. He recommended the replacement of two of Trump’s senior advisers, Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, highlighting his dissatisfaction with their management of the campaign.

However, Trump himself has distanced his campaign from Project 2025. In a public statement, Trump expressed disagreement with several of the project's ideas and denied any direct involvement with the initiative. "I disagree with some of the things they’re saying, and some of the things they’re saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal," Trump commented.

As tensions continue between Dans and the Heritage Foundation, we will see how both sides move forward. For now, Heritage has stood firm in its decision to terminate Dans, citing the importance of upholding professional standards within the organization.