Paul Dans, director of the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, stepped down from his position following intense scrutiny and reported pressure from Trump campaign leadership. Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts confirmed the departure, stating the project had concluded its policy drafting phase after the party conventions.

Reports indicated Trump campaign co-manager Chris LaCivita warned Project 2025 contributors they would be barred from a second Trump administration. The Daily Beast reported an “ongoing power rift over staffing control for potential second Trump admin” contributed to Dans’ exit.

Despite Dans’ departure, Roberts announced Heritage would continue building a “personnel apparatus for policymakers” at federal, state, and local levels. NBC polling from September showed 57% of registered voters viewed Project 2025 negatively, with only 4% viewing it positively.