By Andra Watkins
When 45 denied knowing anything about Project 2025, the mainstream press saw a way to claw back some credibility. “Here’s a way to prove he’s lying,” they said. “We’ll compile a list of every contributor who worked in his administration.”
While worthwhile, I’ve been insisting that it’s important to pay attention to the Republicans behind 45.
Four contributors (Joseph Masterman, David Moore, Paul Ray, and Matt Bowman) clerked for Samuel Alito, either while he was a circuit court judge or a Supreme Court justice. One (David Moore) clerked for him in both roles.
One contributor (Stephen G. Bradbury) clerked for Clarence Thomas. Thomas cited another contributor (Jeff Anderson) in his US v Hansen opinion.
One contributor (Jordan Richardson) clerked for Aileen Cannon. Another (John Ehrett) clerked for James Ho.
Multiple contributors worked in the offices and/or collaborated with a long list of Republicans.
One contributor, Richard Hanania, wrote for alt-right and white supremacist publications under the pseudonym Richard Hoste from 2008 to the early 2010s. According to journalists, he continues to make racist statements.
Several organizations where contributors work or have worked are classified as Hate Groups by the The Southern Poverty Law Center: Center for Immigration Studies (6 contributors), Alliance Defending Freedom (5 contributors), Federation for American Immigration Reform (3 contributors), Family Research Council (2 contributors), Center for Security Policy (1 contributor), and Family Watch International (1 contributor).
At least one hate group, the Family Research Council, classifies itself as a church for 501c3 purposes to avoid financial reporting requirements. (If one takes nothing else away from this exercise, please let it be that churches, political think tanks, and religious non-profits need to pay taxes.)
Multiple contributors have connections to Charles Koch.
At least two contributors (Tom Homan, now at the Heritage Foundation; and John Zadrozny, now at Stephen Miller’s America First Legal Foundation) participated in 45’s Family Separation Policy.
One contributor (Trent McCotter) authored a legal brief with Ted Cruz and Mike Johnson in the Loper Bright case, also known as the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Chevron, a stated policy goal of Project 2025.
Twelve contributors have connections to Ben Carson.
