A United Kingdom-based environmental group is facing backlash for what critics describe as an attempt to interfere in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The Centre for Climate Reporting, led by climate activists Lawrence Carter and Tom Costello, recently released a video targeting Project 2025, a conservative presidential transition project backed by the Heritage Foundation. The video, which features undercover footage of former Trump administration official Russ Vought, is designed to paint Project 2025 in a negative light.
The video employs dramatic music and carefully selected clips to suggest a nefarious agenda behind Project 2025, even though the statements made by Vought and others are largely consistent with public policy positions already known to voters. For example, Vought’s remarks on deporting illegal immigrants and defunding Planned Parenthood reflect longstanding Republican priorities.
The Centre for Climate Reporting’s involvement has raised concerns about foreign election interference, particularly given that the group is based outside the U.S. and employs British and Canadian nationals. Critics argue that this foreign-produced video aligns with attacks from American progressive groups and could be seen as an attempt to influence the election outcome—something that has been heavily criticized by Democrats in recent years.
The video’s production quality and media promotion indicate that it may also be part of a fundraising strategy aimed at attracting support from U.S. progressive donors. As foreign players increasingly inject themselves into U.S. elections, questions are being raised about the legality and ethics of such involvement in American political processes.
