Paul Dans, director of the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, has stepped down from his position with the conservative group.

The move is significant as former President Donald Trump has increasingly tried to distance himself from Project 2025 in recent weeks, as Democrats have seized on the plan to paint him as a threat to democracy.

Organized by the Heritage Foundation, Project 2025 brought together more than 45 right-of-center organizations to get into the business of restoring this country through the combination of the right policies and well-trained people.

In a statement, think-tank president Kevin Roberts said that when Project 2025 began in 2022, “we set a timeline for the project to conclude its policy drafting after the two-party conventions this year, and we are sticking to that timeline.

“Paul, who built the project from scratch and bravely led this endeavor over the past two years, will be departing the team and moving up to the front where the fight remains,” Roberts said. “We are extremely grateful for his and everyone’s work on Project 2025 and dedication to saving America. Our collective efforts to build a personnel apparatus for policymakers of all levels – federal, state, and local – will continue.”

Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita released a statement continuing to distance the Trump campaign from Project 2025.

“President Trump’s campaign has been very clear for over a year that Project 2025 had nothing to do with the campaign, did not speak for the campaign, and should not be associated with the campaign or the President in any way.

“Reports of Project 2025’s demise would be greatly welcomed and should serve as notice to anyone or any group trying to misrepresent their influence with President Trump and his campaign – it will not end well for you.”

Julie Chavez Rodriguez, campaign manager for the Harris campaign, issued a statement attempting to connect Project 2025 with the former president’s campaign.

“Project 2025 is on the ballot because Donald Trump is on the ballot. This is his agenda, written by his allies, for Donald Trump to inflict on our country.

“Hiding the 920-page blueprint from the American people doesn’t make it less real – in fact, it should make voters more concerned about what else Trump and his allies are hiding.

“Vice President Harris has made a career out of exposing liars and frauds like Donald Trump, and stopping dangerous plots like Project 2025 from making people’s lives worse. This election won’t be any different.”