Trump denies ties to Project 2025 during debate with Harris

During a debate on September 10, former President Donald Trump firmly denied any association with Project 2025, a conservative government handbook developed by the Heritage Foundation and various right-wing think tanks. He stated, "I have nothing to do with Project 2025," emphasizing that he has not read the document and has no intention of doing so. This assertion comes despite the fact that several key authors of the plan previously held positions in his administration. The debate highlighted the ongoing strategy of Democrats in the 2024 campaign, which focuses on linking Trump to Project 2025. They aim to leverage this connection to sway public opinion against him, suggesting that his administration's policies align with the ideas presented in the handbook. Trump's dismissal of the project as a collection of ideas, both good and bad, indicates his attempt to distance himself from the document's implications. Polling data from PBS News/NPR/Marist indicates that a significant portion of the American public is engaged in the electoral process, with over two-thirds planning to watch the debate. While many voters have already made their decisions, a notable 14 percent believe the debate could significantly influence their choice of candidate. Trump's comments during the debate reflect a broader strategy to mitigate potential fallout from Project 2025 as he campaigns for the presidency again. His insistence on having no ties to the project may be an effort to maintain his support base while countering Democratic narratives that seek to portray him as aligned with the controversial ideas within the handbook.