Russell Vought, the co-author of ‘Project 2025,’ a policy blueprint for a potential second Trump administration, was secretly recorded discussing his work on policy for former President Donald Trump. The footage, released by the Centre for Climate Reporting, reveals Vought’s views on presidential power, his plans to restrict pornography and immigration, and his belief that the GOP should prioritize ‘Christian nation-ism’ over ‘religious liberty.’
The video, captured in a Washington hotel suite, shows Vought speaking to individuals he believed were relatives of a conservative donor. However, he was actually engaging with employees of the Centre for Climate Reporting. Vought, seemingly unaware of the recording, openly discusses his involvement in ‘Project 2025’ and his organization, the Center for Renewing America. He reveals that his organization has been drafting hundreds of executive orders, regulations, and memos in anticipation of potential action on Trump’s plans, despite Trump’s public dismissal of ‘Project 2025.’ Vought suggests that these public rejections were merely a tactic, referring to them as ‘graduate-level politics.’
The Centre for Climate Reporting justified its use of covert recording, arguing that unveiling Vought’s private remarks about his relationship with Trump and work on ‘Project 2025’ was in the public interest. The organization contends that these details shed light on the mindset of a key figure in the MAGA movement and the behind-the-scenes workings of the Trump administration.
A representative for the Center for Renewing America downplayed the significance of the video, stating that it did not reveal any new comments from Vought. A spokesperson for Trump declined to comment on the video.
The leaked video has sparked debate about the balance between privacy and the public’s right to know. It provides a rare glimpse into the planning and preparation that went into ‘Project 2025’ and highlights the role of private discussions and undisclosed plans in shaping political strategies and policies. The video’s release has reignited discussions about the impact of the MAGA movement and the potential for its return to power.
