Trump’s OMB Pick Must Answer for Funding Cut

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescinded its previous memo, which ordered a federal funding freeze that cut off trillions of dollars of funding for programs and services, including disaster aid and small business loans — but continues to insist that they did so only to “end any confusion” while appearing to stand by unconstitutional power to override Congress on spending. As Trump’s pick to lead OMB, Russell Vought is set to be voted on by the Senate Budget Committee this week. The American people must be assured they won’t lose access to critical services. 

Climate Power executive director Lori Lodes issued the following statement:

“Donald Trump is doing what he does best: sowing chaos without caring about how people will be hurt. The chief architect of Trump’s cruel strategy is Russell Vought. Trump’s illegal defunding of critical investments threw Americans’ health care, energy bills, disaster relief, and so much more into jeopardy. This is straight out of Trump and Vought’s Project 2025 playbook, which Trump repeatedly swore off during the campaign. 

“Heating your home in the winter, getting the medical care you need, and support from the federal government when disasters like the LA wildfires strike are not bargaining chips. Vought must unequivocally promise that he will not try to hijack Congress’ power of the purse at the American people’s expense.”