Deny, deny, deny
After the director of the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 stepped down on Tuesday, the Trump campaign once again attempted to distance itself, writing it “welcomed” reports of the project’s “demise.”
This statement is nothing new. On our show, we’ve extensively covered the absurdity of former President Donald Trump’s selective amnesia around Project 2025. In short, Trump has claimed numerous times to “know nothing” about Project 2025, even though the plan was developed by his former and (likely) future staff. Furthermore, in newly surfaced audio, Heritage President Kevin Roberts is heard acknowledging that Trump’s claims of ignorance about Project 2025 are a “political tactical decision.”
Unearthed audio: Project 2025 leader Kevin Roberts says Trump is purposefully lying to America by claiming he doesn’t know who is behind Project 2025: “He's making a political tactical decision” pic.twitter.com/3PutJfa9cR
— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) July 31, 2024
If you need any more proof that Trump’s denial is misleading, on Thursday it was reported that Sen. JD Vance wrote the foreword to Roberts’ new book, in which Vance called Roberts’ ideas “an essential weapon.”
Roberts has confirmed that Project 2025 “completed exactly what it set out to do” and will continue its efforts to “build a personnel apparatus for policymakers of all levels — federal, state, and local.” As New York Times reporter Jonathan Swan noted, Project 2025 already finished its comprehensive list of policy recommendations. The work is already done.
A story you should be following: Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan are free
On Thursday, President Joe Biden announced the successful negotiation of a prisoner exchange leading to the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Marine veteran Paul Whelan, and journalists Vladimir Kara-Murza and Alsu Kurmasheva, marking a major diplomatic achievement.
This swap is one of the largest and most complex prisoner exchanges in U.S. history, involving seven countries and the release of 24 individuals from around the world. And it is a major victory for Biden’s administration.
There are not many joyful days in diplomacy, but the impact of the successful exchange, likely months in the making, was evident as national security adviser Jake Sullivan became visibly emotional while discussing the return of these hostages.
Jake Sullivan chokes up while talking about the hostages coming home from Russia pic.twitter.com/tFhVLomGx2
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 1, 2024
It’s also important to remember that this is just the beginning for those who have been released. As Jason and Yeganeh Rezaian discussed on our show in July marking the 10th anniversary of their wrongful imprisonment in Iran, a safe release marks the start of a long journey of recovery.
Someone you should know: Monica Tranel
In the spirit of the Olympic Games, our spotlight this week is on Monica Tranel, a former Olympian and current candidate for Montana’s 1st Congressional District.
Tranel represented the United States in rowing at the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics. After her athletic career, she became an attorney and staunch advocate for clean energy and environmental protections. She has worked to defend the interests of small businesses and local ranchers and continues to prioritize the preservation of Montana’s public lands in her political campaigns.
Tranel came within just 3 points of winning in 2022. In June, the Cook Political Report considered the seat “likely Republican,” but it remains an interesting race to watch.
Tim Walz’s weekend routine
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz shot onto many peoples’ radars in the last few weeks following his outspoken criticism of the Republican Party’s “weird” agenda. Whether it’s Trump’s incoherent ramblings about Hannibal Lecter or the GOP’s desire to ban books and dictate what can happen in your exam room, Walz isn’t holding back.
Walz is also on the short list of contenders for Kamala Harris’ vice-presidential pick, and his bold perspectives are a key reason why. In a recent appearance on our show, Walz blasted Republicans and Project 2025 for their efforts to eliminate VA benefits, and he also broke down why the “weird” label sticks to Trump and Vance.
What show are you bingeing right now?
Nothing right now, but I just finished “3 Body Problem” and “Shogun.”
What’s the last book you read?
“Command and Control” by Eric Schlosser.
What time do you wake up on the weekends?
At around 6 a.m. I wake up, go for a run, and usually head out to the dog park with our dog, Scout.
How do you take your coffee?
I’m a longtime Diet Mountain Dew drinker — I was a fan way before it became a thing.
Jen Psaki is the host of "The Briefing with Jen Psaki" airing Tuesdays through Fridays at 9 p.m. EST. She is the former White House press secretary for President Joe Biden.