Washington, D.C. — In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump has publicly distanced himself from Project 2025, a comprehensive conservative policy blueprint developed by the Heritage Foundation for the next Republican administration. Despite significant involvement from numerous former Trump administration officials, Trump has asserted on social media that he has “no idea who is behind it.”

Project 2025, a detailed 900-page document, aims to reshape the federal government according to conservative principles. It includes proposals for sweeping changes across various policy areas such as immigration, education, health care, and environmental regulation. The project’s scale and ambition have made it a lightning rod for both support and criticism.

The Heritage Foundation’s blueprint emphasizes the centralization of executive power, proposing to strengthen the presidency and reduce the independence of federal agencies. This aspect has particularly alarmed critics who fear it could undermine the checks and balances crucial to the American democratic system. Furthermore, the project advocates for an overhaul of federal staffing, aiming to replace a significant number of career civil servants with political appointees. This has raised concerns about the potential politicization of the civil service and the erosion of institutional expertise.

Project 2025 also calls for extensive deregulation in areas such as environmental protection, labor rights, and financial oversight. While proponents argue these measures would stimulate economic growth and curb government overreach, opponents warn of potential negative consequences, including environmental degradation, reduced worker protections, and increased financial instability.

The project’s social and cultural policies, particularly regarding education and issues of gender and sexuality, have also sparked controversy. Critics argue these proposals could undermine civil rights and educational standards, reflecting a broader cultural agenda that many find troubling.

A notable feature of Project 2025 is its continuation and intensification of Trump’s immigration policies. The blueprint envisions stricter border controls, increased deportations, and limitations on legal immigration, policies that have previously drawn significant humanitarian and ethical criticism.

Despite Trump’s claims of ignorance regarding the project’s backers, many of his close associates have played key roles in its development. Six former Cabinet secretaries, four Trump-nominated ambassadors, and several enforcers of his immigration crackdown contributed to the playbook. In total, at least 140 individuals who worked in the Trump administration had a hand in crafting Project 2025.

Trump’s decision to distance himself from Project 2025 comes amid his ongoing campaign for a potential return to the White House. By dissociating from the detailed and potentially polarizing proposals, Trump appears to be navigating the complexities of aligning with a conservative agenda while maintaining flexibility in his campaign strategy.

The controversy surrounding Project 2025 highlights the deep divisions within the Republican Party and the broader American political landscape. As the nation approaches the next presidential election, the debate over the future direction of the federal government is set to intensify, with Project 2025 at the center of this contentious discourse.