Vance Supports Heritage Foundation Leader Amid Trump's Disavowal

Ohio Senator JD Vance has expressed support for Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts in the foreword of his upcoming book, “Dawn’s Early Light.” This endorsement comes at a time when the Trump campaign is attempting to distance itself from Heritage’s Project 2025, which has faced criticism from Democrats and others for its extreme proposals. The Associated Press obtained the foreword on the same day a significant shakeup occurred within Project 2025, highlighting the tension surrounding its ambitious agenda. Vance’s comments reflect a shared ideology with Roberts, who has advocated for a radical overhaul of U.S. institutions. In the foreword, Vance emphasizes the need for a proactive conservative approach, stating, “We need an offensive conservatism, not merely one that tries to prevent the left from doing things we don’t like.” This rhetoric suggests a deeper alignment between Trump’s inner circle and the objectives of Project 2025, despite claims of disagreement. Following the recent changes at Heritage, Roberts has taken direct control of Project 2025 operations. Vance’s foreword calls for a cultural revival, urging a return to traditional values, particularly regarding family and marriage. He argues that instilling these values in children is crucial for the future of conservatism, a stance that has sparked debate given his previous controversial remarks about Democrats. The New Republic was the first to report on the foreword's contents, which further complicates the narrative surrounding the Trump campaign and its relationship with the Heritage Foundation’s initiatives.