Originally by at kawsachunnews.com
The recent selection of Russell Vought by President-elect Donald Trump to head the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is raising concerns about potential risks to Social Security, Medicare, and other essential federal programs.
Vought, who leads the conservative Center for Renewing America, previously served as the OMB director during Trump’s initial administration. He is slated to reassume this role, having been a key figure in the development of the Project 2025 initiative, which Trump had seemingly distanced himself from during his campaign.
Earlier this year, Vought spoke to an undercover reporter and refuted the idea that Trump was not in favor of Project 2025. He affirmed that the Republican leader was “very supportive of our efforts.”
It is anticipated that Vought will push for significant reductions in federal spending, working closely with other members of Trump’s team, including a “government efficiency” panel led by billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.
“With the Project 2025 architect poised to lead Trump’s OMB, the lines between them blur.”
In his roles at OMB and as an advisor to Republican legislators, Vought has promoted substantial cuts to Medicaid and federal food aid, aligning with GOP strategies to balance out their proposed tax reductions.
Furthermore, Vought has been instrumental in drafting budget proposals under the Trump administration that have suggested slashing Social Security and Medicare—programs Trump promised to safeguard during his 2024 presidential run.
“Vought was responsible for every budget in Trump’s first term that targeted cuts to Social Security and Medicare,” stated Tony Carrk, executive director of Accountable.US. “It’s evident that these programs are in jeopardy under Trump’s potential second term.”
Accountable.US notes that Vought is among at least six people connected with Project 2025 whom Trump has nominated for roles in his forthcoming administration.
“With the Project 2025 architect nominated to head the OMB,” remarked Carrk, “there’s no denying their alignment.”
Although Project 2025’s comprehensive policy document minimally addresses Social Security, its authors support measures like increasing the retirement age, which would effectively reduce benefits across the board.
Regarding Medicare, Project 2025 advocates for making privatized Medicare Advantage plans the standard choice for seniors in the U.S., a move that would greatly benefit insurance companies at the possible expense of patients.
Vought’s nomination is expected to intensify efforts by the Trump administration to cut federal spending broadly. As reported by Punchbowl, Vought “is among those Trump allies aiming to curtail Congress’s spending powers through impoundment,” a tactic criticized by Democrats as illegal.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), senior Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, expressed to Punchbowl that Vought “is profoundly mistaken about this and several other constitutional matters, including the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.”
“While Trump has publicly distanced himself from Project 2025, Vought’s nomination clearly indicates that Trump has misled the American public,” DeLauro concluded. “Trump’s true agenda mirrors the Project 2025 blueprint.”
Read the Original Story
