The president of a conservative think tank leading efforts for a substantial overhaul of the federal government in anticipation of a potential Republican presidential victory described the current state of the country as a “second American Revolution,” which he believes can be achieved without bloodshed as long as the left cooperates. Kevin Roberts, the President of the Heritage Foundation, made these statements during an appearance on Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast. He expressed confidence in Republicans “taking this country back,” a sentiment shared by many within the conservative movement.
These comments by Roberts offer insight into the mindset of a group that aims to have a significant impact on a potential second term for former President Donald Trump. The Heritage Foundation is driving Project 2025, a comprehensive blueprint for a new GOP administration that involves initiatives to dismantle parts of the federal government and replace numerous civil servants with loyalists to implement a staunchly conservative agenda without opposition.
Some Democrats found Roberts’ call for revolution and cryptic allusions to violence unsettling, interpreting it as a veiled threat. The idea of an impending “American Revolution” proposed by Roberts prompted strong reactions from Democrats, with former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson characterizing it as alarming and potentially undermining the principles of the initial revolution.
A spokesperson for President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign responded to Roberts’ remarks by emphasizing the significance of the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, highlighting the historical context of independence from tyranny. Critics of Roberts and his allies, such as Trump, have voiced concerns over the perceived desire for a violent upheaval that contradicts fundamental American values.
In subsequent statements following the podcast appearance, Roberts reaffirmed his stance on the ongoing revolution, asserting that Americans are reclaiming power from established elites and bureaucratic figures through peaceful means. He emphasized the importance of a peaceful transition of authority, suggesting that left-wing groups have historically been associated with violent actions.
The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, a comprehensive strategy document, has called for extensive government transformations, including scaling back protections for the LGBTQ+ community and promoting a more prominent role for Christianity in society. Critics like Heidi Beirich, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, view Roberts’ rhetoric and the objectives outlined in Project 2025 as concerning and indicative of a desire to fundamentally reshape American society.
