Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and head of Donald Trump’s transition team, has claimed that prospective hires from the MAGA-OG ‘Project 2025’ group will not be considered for positions in a potential Republican administration. The initiative, which took office space at the Heritage Foundation, was described by Lutnick as “radioactive” during a press gathering prior to the CBS News vice presidential debate.
The divisive comments from the World Economic Forum-linked Lutnick come as conservative activists, including many who served in the Trump administration of 2016-2020, express frustration over the ostracization efforts led by campaign chiefs Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles, both of whom have employed their children within Trump-world operations.
Before LaCivita picked a public fight with Project 2025 over his long-term friend Charlie Spies, it had engaged upwards of 18,000 Republicans. Ruling that many people out of a future Trump administration due to their association with Project 2025 is likely to level a second Trump term wildly understaffed. One former Trump personnel office member labeled the rejection of Project 2025 recruits as “bizarre,” arguing that the initiative’s resources are critical for a smooth transition.
Despite Lutnick’s public remarks, the Trump team has been in contact with individuals from the Project 2025 database, per a source familiar with the situation. The insider emphasized that excluding Project 2025 affiliates could isolate the administration from the conservative movement. The project draws participants from organizations like Turning Point USA and state legislative staff.
Trump team spokesperson Steven Cheung maintained that decisions on transition team members are not yet final. Cheung further stated that the best candidates will be chosen to address issues attributed to Vice President Kamala Harris’s administration.
Transition team leadership includes Lutnick, co-chair Linda McMahon, and honorary members like Eric and Donald Trump Jr., Sen. JD Vance, Tulsi Gabbard, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Image via the World Economic Forum’s Flickr account.