The intense debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump took center stage on Tuesday night, featuring a notable clash over Project 2025, which Democrats criticize as extreme.
During the debate, Harris sought to link Trump to Project 2025, a controversial conservative policy blueprint authored by the Heritage Foundation. The 922-page document, titled “Mandate for Leadership,” outlines a radical overhaul of the federal government. It proposes significantly expanding presidential powers and replacing up to 50,000 federal employees with Trump loyalists.
Despite Harris’s efforts to connect him to the plan, Trump vigorously denied any association with Project 2025. He emphasized his detachment from the agenda, stating that he has “purposefully” avoided reading it and remains transparent about his own policies.
“I have nothing to do with Project 2025,” Trump asserted during the debate. “Everybody knows I’m an open book. Everybody knows what I’m going to do.” Earlier, on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump had stated, “I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they’re saying and some of the things they’re saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them.”
An Overview of Project 2025
Project 2025 proposes sweeping changes to the federal government, including the abolition of the Departments of Education and Homeland Security. It suggests that the Department of Health and Human Services should enforce policies to protect “the fundamental right to life,” and it advocates for criminalizing pornography and prosecuting those who mail abortion pills. The plan also recommends that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintain data on abortions.
Democrats have frequently cited Project 2025 during the campaign to warn voters of what they perceive as a radical shift towards authoritarianism under a potential Trump administration.
Debate Dynamics
Before the debate began, Harris and Trump shared a notably awkward handshake. Harris then addressed the first question about the state of the US economy compared to four years ago. She highlighted aspects of her economic agenda, including tax relief for new parents, support for first-time homebuyers, and aid for small businesses, positioning herself as a champion for the middle class.
In contrast, Trump focused on his economic plans, reiterating his commitment to substantial tax cuts and fostering economic growth. “Everybody knows what I’m going to do – cut taxes very substantially and create a great economy,” Trump said in response to Harris’s economic critique.
The debate showcased stark differences in policy and approach, setting the stage for a crucial period as the election nears.