Behind Project 2025: Who’s Shaping the Fascism?

Project 2025 is a comprehensive plan for a potential future presidential administration. Understanding who is authoring and advising this project is crucial to understanding its potential impact. This article delves into the key figures, their backgrounds, and their connections to the project, providing a clear picture of the forces shaping its agenda. What are the core tenets of Project 2025, and how do the project 2025 authors’ backgrounds influence these ideas?

The Architects of Project 2025

The Heritage Foundation spearheads Project 2025, with a coalition of over 100 conservative organizations contributing to its development. The project’s framework is largely built upon the “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise” document, a comprehensive policy resource crafted by more than 400 scholars and policy experts. It is important to note that over two dozen individuals who previously served in the Trump administration played a role in crafting Project 2025’s policy proposals, indicating a significant level of continuity between the project and past administrations.

The Project 2025 website outlines its four pillars: Policy, Personnel, Training, and Playbook. The aim is to provide a comprehensive plan for a potential future conservative presidential administration, focusing on policy recommendations, personnel selection, training programs, and a 180-day playbook for quick implementation.

The core tenets of Project 2025 revolve around key policy areas such as border security, government accountability, energy production, spending cuts, education reform, and social issues. The backgrounds of the project 2025 authors significantly influence these ideas, drawing from conservative think tanks, former government officials, and policy experts.

Key Organizations of Project 2025

The Heritage Foundation is the central hub, but the Organizations of Project 2025 extends to over 100 conservative groups. These groups contribute expertise, resources, and networks to the project, creating a broad coalition aimed at influencing future policy decisions. The Newsweek article provides a more comprehensive list of organizations of project 2025 involved.

Understanding the Influence

Understanding who is shaping Project 2025 is crucial for assessing its potential impact on American society. The authors of project 2025’s backgrounds and affiliations reveal the project’s ideological underpinnings and policy priorities, offering insights into the potential direction of a future conservative administration.

Key Authors and Contributors: A Deep Dive

Key Authors and Contributors: A Deep Dive

Let’s examine some of the key individuals involved in crafting Project 2025. Understanding the motivations and backgrounds of these figures provides valuable insight into the project’s ambitious goals and potential impact.

Kevin Roberts

As president of the Heritage Foundation, Kevin Roberts is a central figure in Project 2025. His vision for America, as reflected in the project, involves a significant restructuring of the federal government to align with conservative principles. He aims to “burn down Washington” to “save America,” as suggested by the original subtitle of his book, Dawn’s Early Light. Roberts’ vision involves consolidating power within the presidency and dismantling what he views as an overreaching administrative state. The Heritage Foundation has played a key role in staffing Republican administrations since the Reagan era, and Roberts intends to “institutionalize Trumpism.” The book’s postponement might be attributed to the controversial nature of its content and the project’s ambitious goals. The book was initially subtitled Burning Down Washington to Save America. It is worth noting that Roberts met with Trump, further solidifying the connection between a and a potential future administration.

Paul Dans

Paul Dans served as the former director of Project 2025. Dans resigned from his position following criticism from Donald Trump. The exact nature of Trump’s criticism remains somewhat unclear, but it reportedly involved disagreements over the project’s direction or Dans’ leadership. Dans’ departure raises questions about the internal dynamics within the project and the extent to which it aligns with Trump’s own vision for the future. Dans was chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management during the Trump administration.

John McEntee

John McEntee, a former Trump aide and senior advisor to the Heritage operation, plays a crucial role in personnel selection for a potential future administration. He is responsible for vetting and recommending individuals who align with the project’s conservative ideology. His involvement highlights the close connection between Project 2025 and the Trump campaign. McEntee joked about wanting male-only voting. McEntee’s role in personnel selection underscores the project’s emphasis on staffing key government positions with loyalists who are committed to implementing its agenda. He is working to compile a database of thousands of vetted conservatives to staff a new conservative administration.

Russell Vought

Russell Vought developed a 180-day playbook for the project, aiming to rapidly implement Project 2025’s agenda within the first six months of a new administration. Key priorities outlined in the playbook include dismantling the administrative state, curbing federal spending, and advancing conservative social policies. Vought’s playbook reflects a sense of urgency and a desire to quickly enact sweeping changes across the federal government. He was selected in May to be the policy director of the committee that develops the Republican Party’s platform.

Peter Navarro

Peter Navarro, appointed Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing, brings his views on trade to the project’s economic proposals. These proposals involve a protectionist approach aimed at bolstering American manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign imports. He favors tariffs and other trade barriers to achieve these goals. Navarro’s economic vision aligns with the project’s broader emphasis on economic nationalism and prioritizing domestic industries.

Mandy Gunasekara

Mandy Gunasekara, formerly EPA’s chief of staff, influenced the project through her climate change denial. She advocated for policies that prioritize fossil fuels and downplay the risks of climate change. This perspective aligns with the project’s broader goal of rolling back environmental regulations.

Bernard McNamee

Bernard McNamee, appointed to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, impacted the project through his views on climate change mitigation. He opposed policies that promote renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, favoring policies that support the continued use of fossil fuels.

Edwin Feulner

Edwin Feulner, a co-founder of the Heritage Foundation, wrote the closing chapter: “Onward!”. His meetings with Trump likely involved discussions about the project’s goals and strategies, as well as potential collaboration between the Heritage Foundation and a future administration. Feulner’s closing chapter provides a call to action and reinforces the project’s overarching vision for the future of America.

Organizations Driving Project 2025: A Network of Influence

Organizations Driving Project 2025: A Network of Influence

Project 2025 is not solely the work of individuals; it’s backed by a network of influential Organizations.

The Heritage Foundation

The central hub for Project 2025 is The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to “formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense” (https://www.heritage.org/about-heritage/mission). Project 2025 aligns with these goals by aiming to reshape the executive branch to align with conservative principles. The Heritage Foundation manages the Presidential Personnel Database, a key component of Project 2025, which is a database of pre-vetted conservatives ready to be placed in key government positions in a new administration. The Organization is responsible for creating the “Mandate for Leadership” policy book, which serves as a comprehensive guide for implementing conservative policies across various federal agencies. Former Trump aide John McEntee has also joined The Heritage Foundation.

Founded by Stephen Miller, a former advisor to President Trump, America First Legal is a conservative legal Organization. Their role in Project 2025 appears to be focused on immigration policy, as evidenced by their legal actions and statements on the issue. For example, they have filed briefs to defend national security and challenge policies they view as harmful to American interests (https://aflegal.org/america-first-legal-files-brief-to-defend-national-security-and-president-trumps-executive-order-on-birthright-citizenship/). While America First Legal was initially listed as an advisory group member, its name was later removed, possibly due to strategic realignments or disagreements within the conservative coalition.

Corporate Europe Observatory

Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO) is a research and campaign group that investigates and exposes the power of corporate lobbying in the European Union. While their direct criticisms of Project 2025 are still emerging, their general concerns revolve around the potential for increased corporate influence in policymaking, particularly if the project succeeds in weakening regulatory oversight and promoting deregulation. They would likely criticize any aspect of Project 2025 that could lead to policies favoring corporate interests over public interests. (https://corporateeurope.org/en/2025/01/conflict-interest-exposed-conservative-push-defund-ngos). This Organization critiques the project, focusing on the potential for increased corporate power.

Other Organizations Involved

While The Heritage Foundation, America First Legal, and Corporate Europe Observatory are specifically mentioned, many other Organizations are involved in Project 2025. These include conservative think tanks, advocacy groups, and legal organizations. For example, groups focused on environmental policy are involved in Project 2025’s plans to roll back environmental regulations. Many of these Organizations are staffed by former Trump administration officials, highlighting the interconnected nature of this network.

To truly understand the scope and potential impact of Project 2025, it’s vital to follow the money, the personnel, and the policy proposals coming from these various groups.

Connections and Funding: Tracing the Web of Influence

Understanding the connections between the advisors of project 2025, authors, and organizations involved in Project 2025 is crucial. Since 2020, donor networks linked to the Coors, Koch, Uihlein, Scaife, Seid, and Bradley family fortunes have funneled over $120 million into Project 2025 advisory groups, revealing a concentration of wealth and influence among project leaders. DeSmog Article

Coors Family

Joseph Coors, grandson of the Coors Brewing Company founder, played a pivotal role in establishing the Heritage Foundation. The Adolph Coors Foundation has since funded numerous Project 2025 advisory groups, including significant contributions to the Heritage Foundation and Hillsdale College.

Charles G. Koch

Foundations linked to Charles Koch have contributed substantially to Project 2025 groups and have historically supported organizations like ALEC.

Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein

As co-founders of Uline, the Uihleins donate heavily to conservative causes through their foundation, supporting groups like the Foundation for Government Accountability and the American Cornerstone Institute. They are also major donors to the Trump campaign.

Scaife Family

Foundations once controlled by Richard Mellon Scaife continue to support conservative causes, including those involved in climate change denial, and have contributed significantly to the Heritage Foundation and the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI).

Barre Seid

Barre Seid’s donation of Tripp Lite shares to a nonprofit controlled by Leonard A. Leo resulted in substantial funding for Project 2025 groups.

Bradley Family

The Bradley Foundation and the Bradley Impact Fund have donated extensively to advisors of project 2025, including substantial contributions to Turning Point USA and DonorsTrust.

Many of these funded organizations of project 2025 have ties to climate change denial and have been classified as hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).

An interactive graphic mapping the funding ties between these billionaire families and Project 2025 individuals and organizations is available at DeSmog Interactive Graphic.

Diagram illustrating the connections between key individuals and organizations involved in Project 2025.

The personal wealth of project 2025 authors and ideological commitments of these key donors may significantly influence Project 2025’s direction, particularly in areas such as deregulation and climate policy.

Addressing Key Questions: ‘People Also Ask’

Addressing Key Questions: ‘People Also Ask’

Let’s address some of the frequently asked questions about the authors of Project 2025:

Project 2025 represents a significant collaborative effort within the conservative movement, drawing on the expertise of over 400 scholars and policy experts. The Heritage Foundation plays a central role in facilitating and coordinating this project. Key figures involved in shaping Project 2025 include Paul Dans, who served as the Director of Project 2025 until August 2024, and Kevin Roberts, the President of the Heritage Foundation, who assumed leadership of the project subsequently. Other prominent individuals contributing to the project’s framework and policy recommendations include Russ Vought, the policy director of the Republican National Committee platform committee and founder of the Center for Renewing America (CRA), which holds an advisory position within Project 2025, Edwin Feulner, a co-founder of The Heritage Foundation, and Roger Severino, the Vice President of Domestic Policy at The Heritage Foundation. It is W that many of the project’s contributors have previously served in the Trump administration, bringing their experience and perspectives to bear on its policy proposals.

The authors of Project 2025 are interconnected through a robust network of conservative organizations, think tanks, and shared affiliations. The Heritage Foundation serves as a central coordinating body, fostering collaboration among over 100 partner organizations. Many contributors have worked together in past administrations, participated in the same conservative initiatives, or are members of overlapping professional and ideological circles. This interconnectedness enables the project to draw upon a diverse range of expertise while maintaining a cohesive vision. It is W that they are connected through a network of conservative organizations, think tanks, and shared affiliations.

The Heritage Foundation serves as a primary funding source for Project 2025, channeling resources and support to facilitate its research, development, and outreach activities. In addition, nearly half of the project’s collaborating organizations have received contributions from a network of fundraising groups linked to Leonard Leo, a prominent conservative donor. The Heritage Foundation has committed $22 million to preparing staffing recommendations for a potential conservative administration in 2025, demonstrating the scale of resources dedicated to this initiative. It is W that the Heritage Foundation serves as a primary funding source for Project 2025.

[Image of President Trump meeting with Edwin Feulner and other conservative leaders]

Caption: President Trump meets with Edwin Feulner, co-founder of the Heritage Foundation, and other conservative group leaders in 2017.

Project 2025 aims to reshape the federal government and consolidate executive power, based on a controversial interpretation of the unitary executive theory. Critics have expressed concerns about its potential impact on democratic institutions and civil liberties, characterizing it as an authoritarian and Christian nationalist plan. The project proposes significant changes to federal staffing, with a focus on reclassifying civil service workers as political appointees. A personnel database has been established to identify individuals aligned with the project’s goals. Notably, several Trump campaign officials have maintained contact with Project 2025, aligning their efforts with the project’s broader objectives.

Relevant URLs:

The Agenda Behind the Names: Examining Policy Implications

Now that we’ve identified some of the key individuals and organizations, let’s examine the policy implications of their involvement. How do the authors’ backgrounds and affiliations shape the specific policy proposals within Project 2025? What are the potential consequences of these policies for different segments of American society? Which policies are most controversial, and why?

The Project 2025 authors and advisors, many with ties to the Trump administration, bring their experiences and ideologies to bear on the specific policy proposals within the “Mandate for Leadership.” Their backgrounds in conservative think tanks, previous government service, and alignment with particular political factions shape the direction and intensity of these proposals.

Policy Implications Across Society

The policy implications of Project 2025 are far-reaching and potentially transformative for various segments of American society. For instance, proposals to dismantle the Department of Education and shift control to states could exacerbate existing inequalities in school funding and educational quality. Similarly, changes to healthcare policy, such as restricting access to abortion and gender-affirming care, would disproportionately affect women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and low-income communities.

Project 2025 advisors also want to cut federal money for research and investment in renewable energy, and calls for the next president to “stop the war on oil and natural gas”.

Controversial Policies and Flashpoints

Several policies within Project 2025 stand out for their controversial nature and potential to ignite significant public debate. These controversial policies include:

The backgrounds and affiliations of the project 2025 authors and advisors directly inform these policy proposals, reflecting their commitment to a conservative vision of American society. The potential consequences for different segments of society are significant, and the controversial policies are likely to spark intense debate and resistance.

Conclusion: Understanding the Architects of a Potential Future

Conclusion: Understanding the Architects of a Potential Future

By examining the authors, advisors, and organizations behind Project 2025, we gain a clearer understanding of the potential direction of a future administration. This knowledge empowers us to engage in informed discussions and critical analysis of the project’s proposals. The individuals and groups involved represent a specific vision for the future of America, and understanding their motivations is crucial for informed civic participation.

Project 2025 is a coalition of over 100 conservative organizations, spearheaded by The Heritage Foundation. The project’s policy recommendations are detailed in “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise,” a comprehensive document developed by over 400 scholars and policy experts. This document serves as a blueprint for a potential future administration. Individuals with experience in previous administrations have contributed to the project, including more than two dozen people who served in Trump’s administration.

The Heritage Foundation, a key organization of project 2025, has been influential in past Republican presidencies. It is important to note that Trump himself has publicly disavowed project 2025 and stated he was not familiar with it.

Advisory Board and Key Individuals

The advisory board for Project 2025 includes a diverse array of conservative organizations and individuals. Understanding the affiliations and backgrounds of the advisors of project 2025 helps to contextualize the project’s goals.

Several individuals with ties to previous administrations, including more than half of the 307 authors and contributors to the Project 2025 playbook, have played significant roles in its development. Some key figures include:

The Role of Organizations

The organizations of project 2025 involved represent a broad spectrum of the conservative movement. These organizations contribute expertise, resources, and networks to support the project’s objectives. A full list of participating organizations can be found in a Newsweek article.

Long-Term Implications and Civic Engagement

Understanding the motivations and goals outlined on the official Project 2025 website is crucial for informed civic participation. What are the long-term implications of Project 2025, and how can citizens engage in shaping the future? Considering the potential impacts of Project 2025 on various aspects of American life, including social, economic, and political spheres, is essential for responsible citizenship. By staying informed and engaging in constructive dialogue, citizens can play a vital role in shaping the future of the nation.