President Donald Trump’s budget director, Russell Vought, is set to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as Elon Musk prepares to step down.
Vought, a key figure behind Project 2025, will oversee deep federal cuts, reclassification of employees, and budget reform.
His 2025 plan includes a $163 billion reduction in nondefense spending and pushes military increases through reconciliation, not the annual budget. Vought supports eliminating federal regulations and restoring Schedule F, which removes job protections for top officials.
His appointment has sparked backlash from Democrats and tension among Republicans, especially over military funding disputes. He also plans to push Trump’s $9.3 billion rescission package targeting agencies like NPR and PBS.
Under a February order, DOGE will prioritize eliminating unlawful federal rules in coming months.