Trump insists he’s ‘not involved’ with Project 2025. Voters aren’t convinced.
Democrats are spotlighting Project 2025 in their campaign, and it seems to be resonating with voters.
When Donald Trump claims he has ‘nothing to do’ with Project 2025, it’s reminiscent of an irritable uncle slinking into a Thanksgiving dinner while denying any connection to the family, all while getting ready to devour the feast.
It’s true he likely did not help cook the meal, but that doesn’t stop him from eagerly filling his plate if he returns to the presidency in November.
Trump is trying hard to distance himself from the problematic Project 2025—a lengthy 922-page policy proposal from the far-right Heritage Foundation. New polling indicates that swing voters are strongly opposed to this initiative, and they are not buying Trump’s assertion of having “nothing to do” with it.
During a recent debate, Trump reiterated his distance from Project 2025 after Vice President Kamala Harris criticized it, labeling it “a detailed and dangerous plan” he “plans to implement if elected again.”
Trump attempted to downplay Project 2025 by stating it contains “some ideas, I guess, some good, some bad,” while also claiming, “I haven’t read it. I don’t want to read it.”
That comment does seem believable. Who really thinks that Trump would read through 922 pages of policy? He might utilize it, but reading it is highly unlikely.
How is Project 2025 viewed by voters? Not positively.
It’s surprising how a complex policy document has gained traction in the presidential race. However, Harris, the Democratic National Committee, and their supporters have been consistently highlighting the potential threats of Project 2025. The project seeks to increase presidential power while abolishing federal agencies like the Department of Education, reducing the Affordable Care Act, limiting access to abortion, and reversing LGBTQ+ civil rights.
On Wednesday, pollster Matt Canter from Global Strategy Group briefed Democratic campaign teams, political consultants, advocacy groups, and reporters on a poll conducted from August 22 to August 28 across 27 states, targeting 63 pivotal congressional districts for the upcoming election.
Canter noted that Project 2025 “has made a mark on the electorate in a very challenging and loud environment.”
This poses a serious problem for Trump and the Republicans who hope to retain congressional seats. The poll surveyed districts in six crucial swing states—Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—that are likely to decide the presidential outcome.
The poll was conducted by advocacy groups End Citizens United, Third Way, and MoveOn, serving as a strategy to ensure Project 2025 is associated not just with Trump, but also with Republicans running for Congressional positions.
Canter labeled this an “exciting opportunity to go on the offensive.”
“Almost two-thirds of voters have seen or heard something about Project 2025, and the negative sentiment is strong,” he stated. “It’s not just the Democrat base that is criticizing it. A majority of swing voters familiar with Project 2025 also disapprove of it severely.”
What do voters understand about Project 2025?
A recent poll involving 1,212 likely voters revealed that 75% closely associate Trump with Project 2025, and 79% think he supports the policies outlined in it. A similar percentage also believes that Republicans in Congress back the proposals of Project 2025.
When voters were asked about political parties without naming candidates, Democrats had a slight 4-point lead over Republicans in battleground areas, but this margin expanded to 18 points when the conversation framed Democrats as opposing Project 2025 and Republicans as supporting it.
Swing voters from both sides of the aisle express disapproval of Project 2025, but for different reasons. Canter mentioned that this project “is more effective in rallying Democratic voters than ordinary negative campaigning.” However, Republicans seem less familiar with Project 2025 compared to other voter groups.
“That makes perfect sense,” said Canter. “Voters who consume more conservative media are receiving less information regarding Project 2025.”
If you’re tuning in to Fox News, you might not be fully informed about the ongoing debate. Earlier this month, Fox News expressed that Project 2025 has been inaccurately portrayed as a “right-wing-‘boogeyman.’ ”
It’s clear Trump and Vance will rush to implement Project 2025 if they win
During a news conference in California on Friday, Trump expressed his annoyance that the ABC News moderators in Tuesday’s debate did not correct Kamala Harris for associating him with Project 2025.
However, it’s known that Trump turned to The Heritage Foundation for policy guidance during his presidency. The think tank proudly stated that Trump’s administration adopted 64% of its proposed policies. Furthermore, CNN reported in July that over 140 individuals from Trump’s administration contributed to the creation of Project 2025.
At a Heritage Foundation event in April 2022, Trump remarked, “This is a fantastic group that will establish the foundation and detailed strategies for what our movement, and your movement, will accomplish when the American people provide us with a significant mandate to restore America.”
Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance from Ohio, wrote the foreword to a new book authored by one of the individuals coordinating Project 2025. The release of this book was delayed until after the election due to the ongoing debate.
Yet, they now claim that Project 2025 is merely a generalized plan devised by others, with no real impact on their campaign. Voters, however, seem skeptical about this assertion.
While Trump and Vance may not have directly authored Project 2025—or even read it—there’s a strong likelihood that, if elected in November, they will not hesitate to implement its proposals.
Stay updated with YSL News election analyst Chris Brennan on X, formerly known as Twitter: @ByChrisBrennan