Project 2025 to Address Criticism

Project 2025, an initiative by the Heritage Foundation aimed at shaping a conservative agenda for a future presidential administration, is preparing to counter accusations of being far-right and extreme. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, project officials revealed plans to release a series of fact checks to address what they describe as false claims about their framework. The initiative, which seeks to "rescue the country from the grip of the radical left," has drawn scrutiny due to its connections with former Trump administration officials, including former director Paul Dans. One of the key points of contention involves Vice President Kamala Harris's assertion that Project 2025 advocates for cuts to Social Security and Medicare. During a campaign rally in Wisconsin, Harris claimed, "He intends to cut Social Security and Medicare." However, Heritage Foundation spokesperson Mary Vought refuted this, stating that the project proposes "no changes to Social Security." Vought urged Harris to read the project’s materials instead of spreading misinformation. Additionally, Project 2025 aims to clarify misconceptions regarding the involvement of Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, in the initiative, particularly in light of criticisms from his prospective boss. Project officials emphasized that the initiative is not affiliated with the Trump campaign, countering claims made by various media outlets. They also highlighted independent fact checks that support their position against what they label as disinformation propagated by critics. The project includes recommendations on limiting abortions, a longstanding element of the Republican platform, which was notably altered by Trump prior to the RNC convention in July. Project officials referenced a Reuters fact check that confirmed the mischaracterization of their stance on this issue.