Trump selects key Project 2025 figure Russ Vought to head budget office

Donald Trump has appointed Russ Vought, a key figure behind Project 2025, as the director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Vought, who previously served as OMB chief during Trump's first term, will play a crucial role in shaping the administration's budget priorities and advancing Trump's agenda of rolling back government regulations. Since leaving office, Vought has been deeply involved in Project 2025, a conservative policy initiative calling for significant changes, including expanding presidential powers, reclassifying federal employees to allow firings, and implementing controversial measures like banning abortion pills and eliminating the Department of Education.

Despite Trump's efforts to distance himself from Project 2025 during his campaign, the plan has gained significant attention. Critics, particularly from the Democratic side, have highlighted its far-right proposals, which they argue could shift the country in a more authoritarian direction. Vought's selection to lead OMB aligns with Trump's broader strategy of appointing individuals linked to Project 2025 for key roles in his second administration. Other figures tied to the project include Brendan Carr, Tom Homan, John Ratcliffe, and Stephen Miller, all of whom have been tapped for prominent positions.

Vought's role at OMB will involve working alongside other Trump allies like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to pursue initiatives aimed at reducing government spending and curbing regulations. Trump has also proposed creating a new Department of Government Efficiency, led by Musk and Ramaswamy, to implement these reforms outside traditional government structures.