Vought Targets Democratic-Led States, Scrutinizes Federal Spending

Russ Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, issued a memo this week directing most federal agencies to compile data on funding sent to fourteen mostly Democratic-led states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia. The Associated Press obtained the memo, which requires agencies to submit the information by January 28. This move follows President Trump's statement about cutting federal funds to sanctuary cities starting February 1, calling them havens for criminals. The order targets states with Democratic legislatures and governors, except Vermont. Earlier this month, the administration paused funds for child care subsidies and aid to low-income families in some of these states, citing fraud concerns, but a judge halted that effort. Vought's directive aims to scrutinize federal spending flows. Meanwhile, the Trump administration, through the Office of Management and Budget under Vought, directed NASA to prepare shutdown plans for at least two satellite missions tracking carbon dioxide and plant health. LAist reports congressional Democrats warned acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy against terminating congressionally funded missions, arguing Vought's office is overstepping by halting appropriated spending. Vought has long criticized climate-related projects, as outlined in his Project 2025 contributions calling for unwinding Biden-era climate policies. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed frustration over a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. AOL reports Vought previously accused Powell of breaking the law by not complying with demands. On the funding front, Senator Dick Durbin highlighted Vought in discussions around a continuing resolution funding the government through January 30 and a minibus package for agriculture, rural development, Food and Drug Administration, legislative branch, military construction, and Veterans Affairs. Durbin's office noted the measures fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program through fiscal year 2026. These actions reflect Vought's role in pushing efficiency and spending cuts amid ongoing debates over federal priorities. Thank you for tuning in, listeners. Please subscribe for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.