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 2024
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 2024, 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.
Russell Vought Biography Details
| Born | Russell Thurlow Vought March 26, 1976 (age 48) |
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| Political party | Republican |
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| Children | 2 |
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| Education | Wheaton College (BA)
George Washington University (JD) |
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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 2024 – 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 2024 election. Vought is known for his controversial views and strong influence in conservative circles.
