Project 2025 was a key part of the Democratic National Convention, with comedian Kenan Thompson performing a cartoon version of Project 2025 to ridicule Trump and the campaign.

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Andrew Harnik/Getty Images/Getty Images North America

This story first appeared in NPR’s live blog of the Kamala Harris-Donald Trump presidential debate. Follow along for live updates, fact checks and analysis.

Vice President Kamala Harris quickly attacked former President Donald Trump during the presidential debate Tuesday night over his ties to the architects of Project 2025.

“I’m going to tell you tonight in this debate you’re going to hear the same old tired playbook, a lot of lies and grievances and name-calling,” Harris said in the first few minutes of the debate.

“What you are about to hear tonight is a detailed and dangerous plan called Project 2025 that the former president plans to implement if he were to be re-elected.”

Trump again tried to defend himself and distance himself from Project 2025, the controversial plan drafted by the Heritage Foundation to reform the U.S. government. Trump has been dogged for weeks by his relationship with those who drafted the 900-page, pro-Trump plan that calls for mass deportations, the dissolution of the Department of Education, stricter controls on abortion and slashing climate protections.

“First of all, I have nothing to do — as you know and as she knows better than anyone — I have nothing to do with Project 2025,” Trump said. “That’s what it is. I haven’t read it. I don’t want to read it on purpose. I’m not going to read it.”

Democrats have repeatedly tried to tie Trump to the most controversial aspects of the plans.

Allies weighed in. Actress Taraji Henson brought it up at the BET Awards, adding fuel to the fire.

It was also a key part of the Democratic National Convention, with comedian Kenan Thompson performing a cartoon version of Project 2025 to ridicule Trump and his efforts.

It’s true that the Trump campaign did not draft Project 2025. But those involved in its policy proposals include Trump loyalists and allies, as well as former Trump officials.

These officials are likely to be candidates for a second Trump administration.