By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Leaked applications for the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 initiative reveal that several individuals seeking roles in a potential Trump administration cited influences from Nazi political theorists and other far-right figures. The applications, sourced from a database breach, showcase the convergence of Republicans and the far-right, including applications from members of nativist and antisemitic groups. Several applicants expressed admiration for Carl Schmitt, a political theorist with ties to the Nazi regime, and Nayib Bukele, the authoritarian president of El Salvador. The applications also highlighted influences from prominent white nationalists and other fringe figures, raising concerns about the ideological leanings of potential appointees.
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Leaked files showing far-right influences among Project 2025 applicants is, frankly, not surprising, although that doesn’t make it any less concerning. It seems the revelations are like water being wet, as the saying goes. The core ideas behind Project 2025, which aims to reshape the federal government if the right wins the 2024 election, are clearly rooted in far-right ideologies. The leaked documents provide concrete evidence that some of the individuals vying for roles within a potential Trump administration are drawing inspiration from thinkers and theorists associated with the Nazi era and other extremist ideologies.
The extent of this influence is alarming. Reports indicate that numerous applicants have expressed admiration for Carl Schmitt, a German political theorist whose work is deeply intertwined with his collaboration with the Nazi regime. Schmitt’s intellectual legacy is inseparable from his efforts to legitimize the Nazi party. This revelation alone offers a window into the ideological underpinnings of Project 2025. It suggests that some of those seeking power within a future administration are not just conservative or right-leaning, but are actively engaging with ideas that were central to the rise of fascism.
The inclusion of individuals inspired by Nazi-era thinkers in a project designed to influence government policy raises serious questions. It implies an embrace of ultranationalist sentiments and a potential willingness to undermine democratic norms in pursuit of a particular political agenda. This is dangerous. The fact that the applicants reportedly sought inspiration from such sources is a warning sign. It hints at a desire to reshape the United States into something very different from the liberal democracy it currently is.
The reactions to these revelations are also revealing. Some people are genuinely shocked, while others are unsurprised, even jaded. This division underscores a larger issue: the political polarization that exists within the country. Some will dismiss these findings as overblown or irrelevant, while others will see them as further evidence of a dangerous trend.
This is not a debate over a policy difference. The core ideology has been linked to Nazi theories. There are references to trans people and other “degenerate” communities. It’s hard to ignore. The fact that people are surprised or refuse to acknowledge the obvious ideological connections between Project 2025 and extremist ideologies is almost as concerning as the connections themselves. It suggests a widespread ignorance of political history and the dangers of authoritarianism. The tendency to downplay or deny these connections, to argue that these individuals are simply “misunderstood” or that their views are “taken out of context,” is a form of gaslighting. The right will claim these are just allegations and not true, despite the blatant evidence.
The debate about whether to label this as fascism is a distraction. The similarities are there. The underlying philosophy, the desire to concentrate power, the embrace of ultranationalism, and the willingness to demonize perceived enemies are all hallmarks of extremist ideologies. The fact that some of the individuals involved may not fit a perfect definition of “Nazi” is beside the point. The influence is clear.
It is worth noting that some will try to muddy the waters by falsely associating Nazism with the left. This is historically inaccurate and dangerous. Nazism was a right-wing ideology. The fact that it co-opted some socialist rhetoric to gain support doesn’t change its core philosophy, which was rooted in racial supremacy, ultranationalism, and authoritarianism. It is not something to be taken lightly.
The potential implications of Project 2025 cannot be overstated. If these individuals are allowed to implement their vision, the consequences for American democracy could be catastrophic. It is essential that the public understands the dangers posed by these ideologies and that they demand accountability from their elected officials. The next few years will be critical in determining the future of the United States.