Russell Vought has been named by President-elect Donald Trump as his choice to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), according to a Truth Social post. Previously serving as Trump’s budget director during his first term, Vought played an important role in a deregulation initiative that eliminated four regulations for every new one, a strategy Trump described as highly effective.
The OMB, a critical component of federal operations, is responsible for crafting and implementing the president’s budget, giving it considerable sway over administrative priorities. Trump lauded Vought’s prior performance, praising his leadership as both “incredible” and “fantastic.”
Project 2025 outlines GOP priorities for a potential Trump second term, with Vought’s contributions pivotal
Following his time in the Trump administration, Vought established the Center for Renewing America (CRA), a nonprofit aligned with the America First movement. CRA contributed extensively to Project 2025, a detailed framework outlining conservative goals for Trump’s potential second term, spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation.
Vought authored the chapter on the executive office of the president and supported other sections of the 900-page plan. While Trump distanced himself from the project during the campaign, its content drew attention from both Democratic critics and Republican allies. A review by CNN revealed that over 140 former Trump administration officials contributed to Project 2025, showcasing its deep ties to the prior administration.
Vought’s involvement in Republican policymaking extends further, including his role as policy director for the Republican National Convention committee that revised the GOP platform this year. Undercover journalists also documented him earlier discussing plans for the first 180 days of Trump’s anticipated second term, emphasizing his centrality in shaping the party’s policy direction.
Before becoming Trump’s budget director, Vought served as OMB’s deputy and acting director. His initial confirmation as deputy director in 2018 was narrowly secured through a tie-breaking vote cast by then-Vice President Mike Pence.
