Summary
Russell Vought, former Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Trump, is a key figure in the current government shutdown. He is known for his expertise in navigating government bureaucracy and has advocated for significant cuts to federal programs.
Key Facts
- Russell Vought was the Director of the Office of Management and Budget during Trump's first term.
- He co-created the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, which influenced Trump's policies.
- Vought announced that federal employee layoffs would start soon after the government shutdown began.
- He has been vocal about making wide-ranging cuts to government programs.
- Vought previously served as vice president of Heritage Action for America.
- He has called for reductions to agencies like Medicaid, the Education Department, and USAID.
- Vought has expressed the belief that the Government Accountability Office should not exist.
- Trump consulted Vought for recommendations on which agencies to cut.
