Public sentiment towards the controversial right-wing initiative, Project 2025, is shifting negatively, as per a recent poll.
A survey conducted by Navigator Research polling 1000 registered voters between July 11 and July 14 revealed a notable uptick in awareness and opposition to the project.
The poll results showed that 54% of participants are now familiar with Project 2025, a significant increase of 25 points since late June. Among those aware of the project, only 11% viewed it favorably, while 43% held a negative opinion, indicating a 24-point rise in disapproval towards the proposal.
Project 2025 consists of a 900-page document outlining proposed policies for a prospective Republican administration, developed by the right-wing think tank, the Heritage Foundation.
The plan suggests removing civil service job protections for numerous federal employees to facilitate their dismissal and replacement with Republican supporters. It also recommends significant changes to the federal government, such as abolishing the Department of Education, scaling back Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, rolling back renewable energy programs in favor of the fossil fuel industry, restricting mail-order abortion pills, and eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion hiring policies from federal programs.
The survey revealed that over 70% of Democrats were familiar with Project 2025, with 64% strongly disapproving of the plan. Independents were less acquainted, with around two-thirds unable to form an opinion. Among the informed independents, there was a negative bias towards the plan (net -20; 8% favorable vs. 28% unfavorable).
FiveThirtyEight, a polling aggregator, ranks Navigator Research 214th out of 277 pollsters, giving it a score of 1.3 out of 3 stars for its historical accuracy and methodology.
Former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, recently distanced himself from Project 2025, criticizing it as “radical” and “extremely extreme” during a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Following strong efforts from Democrats to link Trump to the project, his comments indicate an attempt to reduce association with it. Nonetheless, a significant portion of the electorate still perceives it as aligned with Trump’s agenda, as indicated by the poll.
Forty-five percent of Americans believe that Project 2025 accurately reflects Trump’s principles; however, among independents, 64% remain uncertain about this alignment.
One reason for respondents linking Trump to the project could be the involvement of several prominent figures associated with the MAGA movement in its creation. Thirty-one contributors to the project served in various capacities in Trump’s presidential administration, including names like Peter Navarro and Ben Carson.
Critics have labeled Project 2025 as a move towards an authoritarian government and potentially detrimental to American democracy.