WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump has reappointed Russell Vought to spearhead the White House budget office, raising questions about potential government staffing and funding cuts proposed by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. “Russ knows exactly how to dismantle the Deep State and end Weaponized Government,” Trump stated, emphasizing a return to “Self Governance” and fiscal responsibility.
Vought, a key figure in the conservative policy framework Project 2025, previously served as director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) during Trump’s first term. He will now be tasked with drafting the president’s annual budget and emergency spending requests.
The OMB plays a crucial role in policy implementation and executive oversight, handling negotiations on Capitol Hill over budget and appropriations. Despite the president’s budget submission every February, Congress is not obligated to follow it, often diverging even under unified government.
The White House’s spending is constitutionally controlled by Congress, a limitation Trump faced legal challenges over in his first term, such as when withholding $250 million in Ukraine aid led to impeachment.
Questions of separation of powers emerged as Trump announced Musk and Ramaswamy would lead the unestablished Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to reduce federal spending and workforce, despite existing laws like the Impoundment Control Act.
Separation of powers questions
Vought’s expertise in constitutional authorities will support the Trump administration’s ambitions. Having served as deputy director and later as OMB director, Vought established the Center for Renewing America, advocating for America’s unique interests and freedoms.
Last updated 6:23 p.m., Nov. 22, 2024
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