Director of Project 2025 Steps Down

Paul Dans, raised in a family steeped in liberal idealism during the 1970s and ’80s, diverged from his upbringing by expressing support for Donald Trump. Dans, who noted the lack of enthusiasm among his New York Republican peers regarding Trump’s presidential bid, confidently declared, “I like Trump, and I think he’s going to win.” His perspective was met with skepticism from career staff at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), who found it challenging to navigate his unconventional approach. Dans's tenure at HUD was marked by his disruptive style, as he often introduced controversial ideas in senior staff meetings, leaving colleagues bewildered. An anonymous appointee described his behavior as akin to “throwing bombs” into discussions, prompting confusion among staff who struggled to understand his serious intentions. Those at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) reported that Dans frequently became frustrated when informed that his requests were beyond the agency's capabilities. Despite the challenges he posed, Dans garnered admiration from some colleagues for his willingness to challenge the status quo. Devine, a fellow Republican appointee, remarked on Dans's unique approach, stating, “If you do anything, people aren’t going to like it, and that’s why he’s so different.” Dans envisions himself as a leader for a new wave of Trump-aligned bureaucrats, ready to take action should Trump return to power, whether through initiatives like Project 2025 or other means.