Praises Heritage Foundation in speech laying groundwork for 2024 agenda

Speaking to Heritage Foundation supporters in Florida, Trump delivered a keynote speech praising the conservative think tank's role in shaping policy. He stated: "For nearly 50 years, this legendary institution has been at the forefront of the conservative movement" and emphasized "the critical job of institutions such as Heritage to lay the groundwork and detail plans" for a potential second term. Trump told the audience: "With the help of many people in this room, we saved our country once and together, we swear that we will save our country again." This speech occurred as Heritage was developing Project 2025, a 922-page policy manifesto for a second Trump presidency. A 2024 House document later noted this April 2022 speech as evidence Trump endorsed Heritage's ultra-right agenda. The event demonstrated Trump's early coordination with Heritage on authoritarian policy proposals including dismantling federal civil service and consolidating executive power.

"The critical job of institutions, such as Heritage to lay the groundwork...they're going to lay the groundwork and detail plans" — Speech to Heritage Foundation supporters, Florida, April 21, 2022