Donald Trump had a warning to Democrats.
Soon he will decide what Democrat agencies he would cut and whether those reductions would be temporary or permanent.
He said the government shutdown, which began on Tuesday, had afforded him an unprecedented opportunity.
I have a meeting today with Russ Vought, he of PROJECT 2025 Fame, he posted on his Truth Social website on Thursday morning.
Vought, the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, may not be a household name.
But Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for governing put together primarily by former Trump officials like Vought when the Republicans were out of power, featured prominently during last year's presidential campaign.
The 900-page policy document contained proposals for dramatic reductions in the size of federal government, expanded presidential authority, rigorous immigration enforcement, a nationwide abortion ban, and other elements of an ultra-conservative social agenda.
It was frequently touted by Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris as Trump's dangerous plan for the future if he was to win.
At that time, seeking to reassure undecided voters, Trump tried to distance himself from the policy document.
I know nothing about Project 2025, Trump wrote in July 2024. I disagree with some of the things they're saying and some of the things they're saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal.
Now, however, Trump is using the conservative blueprint as a threat to get Democrats to agree to his budgetary demands.
On Capitol Hill, Republican leaders have echoed Trump's characterisation of Vought as the White House heavy.
In case that particular metaphor wasn't clear, Trump recently shared an AI-generated parody music video on Truth Social depicting Vought as the grim reaper.
Vought has a wealth of experience with the federal budget and has become an influential figure in Trump’s administration, pushing for significant cuts and reductions in federal programs.
Trump's strategy leverages the government shutdown, claiming that it allows for deeper cuts without the constraints of normal funding processes.
As he and Vought prepare to execute these plans, the implications for government services, public opinion, and fiscal policy hang in the balance amid a tumultuous political environment.
