Project 2025 is rapidly becoming the framework for the Trump administration, just as many Democratic voters feared during the election. The Senate confirmed Russ Vought as director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), cementing his role in driving the project forward. This came after a lengthy protest by Senate Democrats, who expressed strong opposition to his nomination.
The vote ended 53-47 along party lines, with Republicans supporting Vought and Democrats opposing him.
Vought’s ties to Project 2025, a conservative policy plan associated with Trump’s vision, have sparked significant backlash from Democrats. His claims about the 2020 election being “rigged” have only added fuel to the fire. Additionally, some Democrats were alarmed by an OMB memo freezing federal funding, which was later rescinded, seeing it as a troubling sign of how Vought might lead the office.
As OMB director, Vought will be central to pushing forward President Trump’s agenda. This marks the 13th nominee confirmed under Trump’s administration since he took office.
The battle over Vought’s confirmation began on Wednesday afternoon, when Senate Democrats staged a protest with hours of speeches, keeping the floor occupied until the final vote on Thursday. The protest followed a procedural vote that limited debate to 30 hours.
Just before the vote, Democrats took to the floor again, explaining their opposition to Vought’s confirmation. Sen. Cory Booker, for instance, said his vote was “for New Jersey first responders.” However, when they spoke during the voting process, they were heckled and reprimanded by GOP Sen. Ashley Moody, who was presiding.
A moment of tension arose when Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt voiced his support for Vought without facing any reprimand, which led to frustrated Democrats banging their fists on their desks and calling for “regular order.”
