Trump reportedly makes controversial choice to replace Elon Musk at DOGE

The appointment is expected to spark backlash from Democrats.

PUBLISHED 4 DAYS AGO

Additionally, the pick is expected to push Congress to approve a $9.3 billion rescissions package.

Washington D.C.: President Donald Trump’s top budget official, Russell Vought, is reportedly preparing to assume control of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) once Elon Musk steps aside.

As director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Vought will oversee key operations, including recouping federal funds, reclassifying federal workers, and advancing Trump’s proposed 2025 budget—a plan that includes sweeping cuts to government spending, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Vought’s appointment is expected to spark backlash from Democrats, given his central role in crafting Project 2025, a conservative manifesto that outlines drastic measures such as cuts to Social Security and Medicare, as well as the elimination of the Department of Homeland Security.

In recent months, Vought has worked alongside Musk in implementing deep cuts to federal agencies, sparking widespread protests as entire departments were shuttered. A staunch advocate for deregulation, Vought has praised efforts to slash bureaucratic red tape, aligning with Trump’s pledge to eliminate 10 regulations for every new one enacted. Moving forward, DOGE is expected to focus on rolling back "unlawful regulations" in line with a February executive order.

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Another priority for Vought is reinstating Schedule F, a Trump-era executive order that removes job protections for thousands of federal employees. Though blocked by the Biden administration, Trump revived the policy upon returning to office in January. Additionally, Vought is expected to push Congress to approve a $9.3 billion rescissions package targeting funds from the State Department, USAID, NPR, and PBS.

However, his cost-cutting approach has drawn criticism even from Republicans, particularly over his stance on military spending. While Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly assured lawmakers of increased defense budgets, Vought’s proposal keeps military spending flat, with any increases tied to budget reconciliation—a move that has angered GOP senators.