Post Share to Facebook Project 2025 states that if implemented, it aims to close down the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Verdict: Misleading
Although the plan suggests adjustments and restrictions to the National Weather Service (NWS), Project 2025 does not specifically call for eliminating the program.
Fact check:
In 2022, the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation launched a public policy plan called Project 2025. The effort is driven by the goal of “overthrowing the deep state and returning government to the people.” According to Its website.
“Project 2025 intends to shut down the National Hurricane Center,” the Facebook post warned. The claim was made as Hurricane Helen made landfall in Florida's Big Bend area on September 25, according to the newspaper. Associated Press.
This claim is misleading. According to a comprehensive document, the initiative calls for “dismantling” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which operates the NHC. (Related: Fact check: Harris campaign claims video shows J.D. Vance supports Project 2025)
Project 2025 recommends that the National Weather Service (NWS) “focus on data collection services” used by commercial weather forecasting agencies and “become an results-based organization.” However, as for the NHC, the document only specifically suggests a “review” of the program's efforts, rather than eliminating the program entirely.
Efforts such as aggressively tracking tropical cyclones and hurricanes and issuing advisories were rated “important.” Additionally, the document praises the “applied science” of programs that serve the public. In contrast, Project 2025 criticizes the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), saying the agency “provides theoretical science” rather than more grounded, practical research.
A Project 2025 spokesperson told Check Your Facts in an email that the claims are “false and ridiculous” and encouraged people to take advantage of free access to Mission to Leadership. here. The spokesperson also emphasized the “distinction between privatization and commercialization,” adding that the project's proposal to exploit goods for the benefit of taxpayers is “low cost and not new.”
The misleading claims about Project 2025's impact on NHC come as Hurricane Helen is expected to hit Florida as a Category 4 storm. USA Today Reported. NHC also public advisory This week there will be a dangerous “high tide” war.
With less than six weeks left until the presidential election, debate surrounding Project 2025 is intensifying. The Heritage Foundation hopes to implement the policy plan if Donald Trump is re-elected, and claims have emerged that the former president is actively involved in the project. however, Reuters It was reported in July that the Trump campaign has not developed Project 2025, but many of the president's top policy advisers are directly involved.
