Russell Vought, a central figure in the controversial Project 2025, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), sparking alarm among advocates for Social Security and Medicare. Vought’s track record and the policy objectives of Project 2025 suggest a renewed push to overhaul safety net programs, contradicting Trump’s campaign promises to protect them.
Vought is not new to controversy. As OMB director during Trump’s first term, he spearheaded budgets that proposed deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and federal nutrition assistance programs. Now, as the head of the far-right Center for Renewing America, he remains committed to advancing Project 2025’s sweeping policy agenda, which includes raising the Social Security retirement age and privatizing Medicare.
During the campaign, Trump sought to distance himself from Project 2025, a far-right blueprint crafted by conservative think tanks. However, Vought’s nomination appears to align the incoming administration directly with the project’s controversial goals. In a conversation with an undercover journalist earlier this year, Vought dismissed claims that Trump opposed the project, saying the president-elect was “very supportive of what we do.”
Social Security and Medicare are the cornerstones of America’s safety net, relied upon by tens of millions of seniors. However, Project 2025 advocates changes that could undermine both programs.
For Social Security, the project proposes raising the retirement age, which would effectively reduce benefits across the board. This change disproportionately affects low-income workers and those in physically demanding jobs, who may not be able to continue working as they age.
As for Medicare, Project 2025 recommends making privatized Medicare Advantage plans the default enrollment option for seniors. This would funnel billions into the coffers of insurance companies while limiting patient choice and access. Medicare Advantage has been criticized for prioritizing profits over care, with insurers accused of overbilling Medicare and denying necessary treatments.
Tony Carrk, executive director of the watchdog group Accountable.US, summarized the stakes: “Vought oversaw every budget in the first Trump administration that cut Social Security and Medicare. This much is clear: Social Security and Medicare are at risk in the second Trump presidency.”
Vought’s nomination is particularly concerning given his history. During Trump’s first term, Vought was instrumental in crafting budgets that proposed severe reductions in federal spending. These included cuts to Medicaid, nutrition assistance programs like SNAP, and housing aid—programs critical for vulnerable populations.
To offset the costs of GOP tax cuts that primarily benefited corporations and the wealthy, Vought’s budgets aimed to shrink the social safety net. Critics warned these proposals would deepen economic inequality and push more Americans into poverty.
In his current role at the Center for Renewing America, Vought continues to advocate for austerity measures, calling for reduced federal spending and increased privatization. His nomination signals the Trump administration’s intent to double down on these policies.
Vought’s plans go beyond budget cuts. He is also among those in Trump’s circle advocating for an impoundment strategy—a controversial move to challenge Congress’ authority over federal spending. Critics argue this tactic, which involves withholding funds already appropriated by Congress, violates the Constitution and the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, condemned the approach: “Vought is deeply confused about this and many other points about the Constitution and the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. While Trump distanced himself from Project 2025, Vought’s nomination makes it crystal clear that Trump lied to the American people. Trump’s agenda is the Project 2025 manifesto.”
Vought is one of at least six figures associated with Project 2025 who have been nominated for roles in Trump’s incoming administration. This underscores the project’s influence on the administration’s priorities, despite Trump’s campaign rhetoric suggesting otherwise.
Project 2025’s policy framework aligns with a far-right vision of governance, emphasizing deregulation, privatization, and cuts to federal programs. Critics warn that these policies could dismantle essential services, leaving millions without the support they rely on.
Carrk pointed out the inherent contradiction in Trump’s messaging: “With the architect of Project 2025 nominated to lead Trump’s Office of Management and Budget, there can be no distinction between the two.”
Cuts to Social Security and Medicare would exacerbate economic inequality, disproportionately harming low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Privatizing Medicare would further increase healthcare costs for patients while reducing access to essential care.
Advocates argue that dismantling safety net programs risks pushing millions into financial hardship. Social Security alone lifts 22 million Americans out of poverty each year, while Medicare ensures access to healthcare for nearly 65 million seniors and people with disabilities.
Public opposition to these changes is likely to grow as the administration’s plans become clearer. Vought’s nomination has already galvanized advocates and lawmakers determined to defend these programs.
The nomination of Russell Vought as OMB director brings the objectives of Project 2025 into sharp focus. His track record and the project’s policy goals reveal a coordinated effort to reshape the federal government at the expense of critical safety net programs.
As the Trump administration prepares to take office, the future of Social Security and Medicare hangs in the balance. Advocates, lawmakers, and the public will need to remain vigilant to protect these programs from drastic cuts.
“This much is clear: Social Security and Medicare are at risk in the second Trump presidency,” said Carrk.
COMMENTS