
Hans von Spakovsky, co-author of Project 2025, has responded to critics by urging them to read the project, noting that it predates Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign. “I would challenge anyone who’s listening to these false criticisms, go read it,” Spakovsky emphasized, describing the initiative as rooted in common sense. He clarified that Project 2025, a strategic plan by the Heritage Foundation, was developed to guide the next Republican administration.
Project 2025 consists of four primary pillars. The first is the Mandate for Leadership, a comprehensive policy guide created by over 350 conservatives to outline goals for federal agencies. The second pillar, “Conservative LinkedIn,” is an online database launching in March to help conservatives secure positions in government. The third pillar, the Presidential Administration Academy, aims to train appointees in effective governance. The final pillar, the Playbook, will convert policy ideas into actionable plans for immediate implementation by the new administration.
Spakovsky underscored the necessity for conservatives to be well-prepared and organized, contrasting the initiative with the slower adaptation of past Republican administrations to government processes. Although not designed specifically for Trump, Project 2025 aims to ensure the next Republican leadership can govern efficiently from the start.
The project addresses the historical challenges faced by conservatives in navigating bureaucratic systems, promoting a proactive approach to implementing their agenda. By fostering a knowledgeable and prepared administration, Project 2025 seeks to counteract the left’s entrenched influence within government institutions and promote effective conservative governance.