President-elect Donald Trump has announced his nomination of Russell Vought, one of the co-authors of Project 2025, to lead the Office of Management and Budget in his upcoming administration. Vought, who previously served as OMB director in Trump's first term, is known for his role in developing Project 2025, a policy blueprint put together by the conservative Heritage Foundation for Trump's second term.
Despite Trump's previous disavowal of Project 2025 during his campaign, he has now selected Vought to oversee the White House budget and implement his policies across the executive branch. In a statement, Trump praised Vought as an "aggressive cost cutter and deregulator" who will help advance the administration's America First Agenda.
Vought has publicly advocated for greater presidential control over government agencies, calling for the dismantling of the "sprawling federal bureaucracy" and emphasizing the need for the president to take control of the executive branch. His nomination has been met with approval from the Heritage Foundation, with president Kevin Roberts hailing Vought as the "perfect pick" to lead OMB in Trump's second term.
Vought's confirmation as OMB director will require approval from the Senate. His nomination reflects Trump's continued alignment with key figures behind Project 2025, despite his previous attempts to distance himself from the policy blueprint. Vought's appointment signals a commitment to implementing conservative principles and streamlining government operations in the upcoming administration.