Paul Dans Criticizes Kevin Roberts' Rhetoric

Paul Dans, the former director of the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, has publicly condemned the rhetoric of Heritage President Kevin Roberts, particularly regarding his comments about a 'second American Revolution.' Dans criticized Roberts for using 'violent rhetoric' and called for Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance to retract a foreword he wrote for Roberts's upcoming book, stating, 'If we’re going to ask the left to tone it down, we have to do our part as well.' Roberts's comments, made during a podcast appearance, suggested a potential for political violence that Dans argues undermines the Heritage Foundation's credibility. This conflict highlights a rift within the influential conservative think tank as it navigates backlash from its controversial policy proposals. Following a recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, tensions have escalated regarding the tone of political discourse. Dans emphasized that such rhetoric is damaging not just to the institution but also to the reputations of its members.