In 2020 & 2024, recognizing that a platform (beyond “Hooray for Trump”) could hurt him, Trump literally prevented the GOP from adopting a policy platform. Project 2025 stepped into the void, because the ideologues wanted a written blueprint for what they would do in a second term.

This is exactly how he handled his election loss. Do nothing, except put folks in place that would do something. Citizen D Mob Boss

It looks like they initially wanted a plan for "how to succeed the coup next time". And then, they were a bit too excited by the project.

The ironic thing is that it was Trump's complete failure at leadership during his first term that lead to them wanting that blueprint. Because the shitweasels wanted to get things done and Trump doesn't get things done.

It’s fun to think about how the strategic political error of Project 2025 was a reaction to the incompetence of 2017-21.

This is the most concise explanation I’ve seen for why they put that poison to paper. They not only stepped into the void, the fact that they found 140+ ex trumpers to help write it inextricably links him to it.

They did adopt a new one this year but it's the usual mush, and it's a well-settled norm of American politics that the party platforms are totally meaningless and exist solely to let the convention delegates feel like they're doing something.

I've noticed a lot of news and a book out about his mental state. Why now? Republicans blocked it before and now they are allowing it. Someone mentioned he thought JD would bring article 25 if they win.