The former director of Project 2025 did not step down in July as initially reported, but was fired due to “disrespectful and unprofessional” workplace behavior, a conservative think tank revealed on Friday. The man at the center of the controversy says he is being made a “scapegoat”.

Project 2025 is just the latest iteration of the Heritage Foundation’s multi-year initiative to establish a conservative management plan. However, Democrats’ relentless attacks focusing on Project 2025 have led to intense scrutiny and frequent misrepresentations of the plan’s details.

According to Heritage, Paul Dans’ departure from the institution had little to do with the storm.

“Paul Dans was fired from the Heritage Foundation due to a number of related issues, including his dismissive and unprofessional approach to dealing with many of his colleagues,” Kelly Adams, Heritage’s director of human resources operations, told Fox News Digital.

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“After some disturbing interactions were brought to the attention of senior management, an internal review was conducted and the decision was made to part with Mr. Dans as amicably as possible.”

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It was said then that Dans would step down as head of Project 2025.

However, Heritage soon reportedly received numerous messages from Dans accusing his advisory team of firing him for false reasons.

“The Heritage Foundation scapegoated me to cover up its own mishandling of the Project 2025 public relations fiasco,” Dans told Real Clear Politics. “It appears that the Heritage Foundation continues to destroy my good name and professional reputation for its own benefit.”

The Heritage Foundation defended its decision and said it was Dans’ workplace behavior that led to his dismissal.

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“The Heritage Foundation deeply values ​​all of our employees and is committed in practice and in principle to maintaining a positive work environment in which offensive or demeaning behavior is not welcome,” Adams said.

“We are deeply disappointed that Mr. Dans is using the liberal media to attack Heritage’s decision to terminate his employment, thus publicizing the reasons for his dismissal. We will not allow him to falsely attack Heritage and its employees without defending his difficult decision to terminate Paul’s employment on the facts. We will continue to defend our staff and our institution from false narratives and disgruntled former employees.

New reports have emerged detailing Dans’ behavior leading up to his termination, particularly allegations regarding his conduct at the Republican National Convention in July, when he reportedly swore at colleagues while criticizing their performances and received a warning from Heritage President Kevin Roberts.

“He was very degrading,” a source told Real Clear Politics. “It was constant and he didn’t want to listen.”

Documents reviewed by RCP show that after his release, Dans, through his legal counsel, demanded $3.1 million from Heritage and demanded the funds be transferred within two days. Heritage declined this request.

Shortly after his firing, Dans became a vocal critic of the Trump campaign, telling The New York Times in September that the former president should replace two of his senior advisers, Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita. Dans claimed their mismanagement prevented Trump from overtaking Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump has repeatedly denied any involvement in the creation of Project 2025, saying, “I don’t agree with some of the things they’re saying, and some of what they’re saying is absolutely ridiculous and hopeless.”

Original article source: Heritage changes script on fired Project 2025 director after ‘disturbing’ revelations