Conservative Groups Abandoning Project 2025
Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, recently compared the organization’s Project 2025 manifesto to a vast menu at a chain restaurant, specifically likening it to the menu at Cheesecake Factory. The document, spanning 900 pages, includes controversial proposals such as outlawing pornography and withdrawing FDA approval for abortion medications. While Roberts acknowledged that not every conservative may agree with all aspects of the document, the growing number of conservative groups distancing themselves from Project 2025 is becoming apparent.
The Defectors and the Departed
The Project 2025 website initially listed over 100 organizations as part of the coalition that helped shape the effort alongside Heritage. However, a review by The Intercept revealed that several prominent organizations have quietly removed themselves from the advisory board. Among these are the Competitive Enterprise Institute, which was a key player in the think tank community.
The Competitive Enterprise Institute, led by Kent Lassman, contributed significantly to the Project 2025 playbook. Despite their involvement, CEI faced criticism from economist Paul Krugman for their stance on climate change. While CEI initially embraced their role in Project 2025, they were eventually removed from the advisory board list in March 2024.
Similarly, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) found itself included in Project 2025 materials in error. FDD’s inclusion was corrected after nearly a year of being listed on advisory board documents. The Discovery Institute, known for its focus on “intelligent design” and “Judeo-Christian culture,” also quietly disappeared from the Project 2025 site in June.
America First Legal, a group with strong ties to Project 2025, also recently announced its departure from the coalition. The organization played multiple roles in both the playbook and training academy but decided to distance itself from the project.
Recent departures include Americans United for Life and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, both of which requested to be removed from the advisory board. While their reasons for leaving were not extensively detailed, it is clear that not all organizations align with the entirety of Project 2025’s proposals.
Moving Forward
The evolving landscape of conservative groups distancing themselves from Project 2025 raises questions about the project’s future. As more organizations withdraw their support, it becomes evident that not all conservatives are on board with the extensive menu of proposals laid out in the manifesto.
While Heritage Foundation continues to champion Project 2025, the departure of key players underscores the challenges of maintaining a broad coalition in today’s political climate. As the list of defectors grows, it remains to be seen how this will impact the trajectory of Project 2025 and its ambitious goals.
In conclusion, the shifting alliances within the conservative community regarding Project 2025 highlight the complexities of navigating ideological differences within a broad coalition. As organizations reassess their involvement in light of evolving circumstances, the future of Project 2025 hangs in the balance.