Russell Thurlow Vought born March 26, 1976, commonly known as Russ Vought, is a former American government official who served as the director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from July 2020 to January 2021. Prior to that, he held the position of deputy director of the OMB in 2018 and served as acting director from 2019 to 2020. After the election of President Joe Biden, Vought was accused by Biden’s transition team of obstructing the transition process by preventing incoming officials from meeting with OMB staff. Vought denied these claims.
Russell Vought Biography 2025
In 2021, he founded the Center for Renewing America, an organization aimed at addressing issues such as critical race theory. He is also involved in Project 2025, an initiative led by the Heritage Foundation to reform the federal government. In May 2025, Vought was appointed policy director for the Republican National Committee’s platform committee. Vought describes himself as a Christian nationalist, advocating for the influence of Christianity on government and society while maintaining a commitment to the separation of church and state. His views have been discussed in various media outlets, including The Washington Post.
WhatsApp Channel Join Button
Russell Vought Biography Details
Born
Russell Thurlow Vought
March 26, 1976 (age 48)
Political party
Republican
Children
2
Education
Wheaton College (BA)
George Washington University (JD)
Russell Vought Early Life
Vought was born to Thurlow Bunyea Vought, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and Margaret Flowers Vought, an elementary school teacher. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wheaton College and a Juris Doctor from the George Washington University Law School.
Russell Vought Personal Information
Attribute
Details
Full Name
Russell Thurlow Vought
Birth Date
March 26, 1976
Age
48
Education
Wheaton College (BA), George Washington University (JD)
Political Party
Republican
Children
2
Russell Vought Positions Held
Position
Duration
Director of OMB
July 2020 – January 2021
Acting Director of OMB
January 2019 – July 2020
Deputy Director of OMB
March 2018 – July 2020
Executive Director, Republican Study Committee
Prior to OMB role
Controversies and Legal Issues
Event
Details
Trump-Ukraine Scandal
Refused to testify before Congress
2020 Election Transition Allegations
Accused of hindering Biden transition
Senate Confirmation Hearing (2018)
Questioned by Bernie Sanders on religious views
Publications and Statements
Publication / Statement
Facts
2021 Critical Race Theory Guide
Released by CRA to oppose CRT education
Infrastructure Plan Critique
Criticized Biden’s $2.3 trillion plan
Political and Religious Views
Viewpoint
Details
Christian Nationalism
Advocates for Christian values in government
Radical Constitutionalism
Pushes for a return to what he sees as a Constitutional era
Separation of Church & State
Supports government influence by Christianity, not total separation
Involvement with Project 2025
Aspect
Points
Purpose
Reshaping federal government and consolidating executive power
Key Proposals
Reclassify federal workers as political appointees, Christian values in government
Vought’s Role
Leading policy efforts, providing conservative policy ammunition
Roles in Government
Position
Duration
Policy Director, RNC Platform Committee
May 2025 – Present
Deputy Director of OMB
March 2018 – July 2020
Acting Director of OMB
January 2019 – July 2020
Center for Renewing America Initiatives
Initiative
Details
Combating Critical Race Theory
Provided guide for parents and school boards
American Restoration Action
Advocacy group for conservative causes
Controversial Proposals
Proposal
Details
Military Force on Protestors
Advocated military response to protests
Gutting the FBI
Suggested dismantling the FBI to curb influence
Reviving Withholding Funds
Proposed reviving power to withhold congressional funds
Public Perception and Media Attention
Event
Details
The Washington Post Fact Check
Rated Vought’s statement on infrastructure spending “Three Pinocchios”
Controversy with Senator Sanders
Criticized by Sanders for religious beliefs during confirmation
Vought Leadership Style
Style
Details
Authoritarian Approach
Advocates for sweeping executive powers
Conservative Alignment
Focused on reshaping government according to conservative ideals
Connections to Heritage Foundation
Position / Role
Details
Heritage Action
Worked for the lobbying arm of Heritage Foundation
Policy Direction
Played key roles in policy development and advocacy
Biden Administration Transition Conflict
Issue
Details
Transition Hindered
Accused of blocking meetings between Biden’s team and OMB staff
Vought’s Defense
Claimed more than 45 meetings were held and that funding for transition was provided
Influence in Conservative Movements
Role
Details
Project 2025 Leader
Key figure in reshaping federal government
Center for Renewing America
Focused on combating progressive ideologies
Future Plans and Projects
Project / Plan
Details
Project 2025
Conservative policy agenda for federal government reform
CRA Advocacy
Works to sustain Trump’s political movement
Russell Vought Net Worth
Information Not Available.
Russell Vought Summary
Russell Vought is a former government official who served as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Donald Trump. He is a prominent figure in conservative politics, advocating for Christian nationalism and “radical constitutionalism.” Vought founded the Center for Renewing America in 2021, focusing on combating critical race theory and reshaping government policies. He also plays a major role in Project 2025, an initiative to transform the U.S. federal government if Republicans win the 2025 election. Vought is known for his controversial views and strong influence in conservative circles.
