The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is launching a series of billboards in 10 major cities within key battleground states, linking former President Donald Trump to Project 2025—a conservative initiative advocating for a significant expansion of presidential power.
Why It Matters
The focus on Project 2025 has intensified as more Americans become engaged in the presidential race. The Democrats are seizing this moment to portray the presumptive Republican nominee, Trump, as a threat to the U.S. political system.
- The billboards represent the DNC’s first paid media campaign focusing on Project 2025, coinciding with Trump’s recent efforts to distance himself from the radical plans proposed by his allies to overhaul the U.S. government.
Zooming In
Project 2025 was created by the conservative Heritage Foundation and is not an official part of Trump’s campaign platform, although several of his supporters contributed to its development.
- The plan calls for a substantial increase in executive branch power, enabling the president to bypass traditional checks and balances.
- Trump has also articulated a vision for his potential second term that includes a significant expansion of federal authority, particularly for the presidency.
Driving the News
The billboards will be displayed in prominent metropolitan areas within the seven battleground states: Raleigh, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Green Bay, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
The billboards will be presented in both English and Spanish.
What They’re Saying
“Donald Trump and his Republican allies are trying their hardest to hide their harmful and dangerous plans because they understand that granting Trump unlimited power, restricting abortion regardless of congressional approval, and cutting Social Security and Medicare are not popular with voters,” stated DNC Communications Director Rosemary Boeglin.
- “They are aware that when Americans learn about Project 2025, they do not support it.”
Zooming Out
The Biden campaign has also highlighted Project 2025, including by launching a website last month that underscores some of the policies proposed in the plan.
Donald Trump Jr. is set to speak just before his father’s vice presidential pick at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Axios has learned.
Why It Matters
This development is the latest indication that former President Trump is leaning towards Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) as a favored candidate for his running mate, over North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).