Russell Vought, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for White House budget director, faced heated questioning during his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday over his approach to fiscal policy and U.S. military aid to Ukraine.
Vought, who previously served as director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) during Trump’s first term, refused to fully commit to distributing $3.8 billion in congressionally approved aid to Ukraine amid its war with Russia.
“I will always commit to upholding the law,” Vought stated when pressed by Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), who highlighted Vought’s role in withholding $214 million in Ukraine aid in 2019—a key issue in Trump’s first impeachment.
When asked by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) about future aid, Vought demurred, saying, “I’m not going to get ahead of the policy response of the incoming administration.” Blumenthal expressed outrage, calling the response “astonishing” and accusing Vought of implying “the president is above the law.”
Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Cuts
In addition to Ukraine aid, Vought faced questions about the nation’s growing debt and fiscal policy. He emphasized Trump’s commitment to addressing inflation and reducing the national debt, which has surpassed $28 trillion.
“The president ran on the issue of fiscal accountability,” Vought said, suggesting that discretionary social programs could face cuts. He argued that promoting employment and limiting government spending would alleviate the debt burden on future generations.
As the architect of “Project 2025,” Vought previewed potential budget proposals that include significant reductions in social programs while maintaining a focus on military funding and fiscal responsibility.
A Controversial Tenure
Vought’s tenure at OMB has been a flashpoint for criticism. In 2021, he founded the conservative think tank Center for Renewing America and has advocated for overturning the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, which mandates congressional approval to rescind spending.
The hearings underscored partisan divides on fiscal priorities. Democrats questioned Vought’s commitment to the rule of law and criticized his track record, while Republicans supported his focus on spending cuts and fiscal discipline.
As the Senate deliberates on Vought’s confirmation, his answers—particularly on Ukraine aid—have raised concerns about the independence of the Office of Management and Budget in Trump’s incoming administration.