Senate Republicans on Monday evening voted to advance Russell Vought’s nomination to lead the Office of Management and Budget after days of controversy marked by OMB’s unexpected directive to pause all federal financial assistance.
While Vought technically did not have the OMB job when the order came down, he was a clear influence during Donald Trump’s first weeks in office: The White House signaled his involvement in OMB’s decision-making process last week. The directive caused chaos and confusion throughout Washington and beyond. The White House has since rescinded the memo, and a federal judge Monday blocked the freeze for the foreseeable future.
Under Vought’s leadership, OMB is set to become Trump’s primary tool to consolidate his power.