Russell Vought, a Project 2025 architect, likely in line for high-ranking post if Trump wins 2nd term

Russell Vought is the chief architect of Project 2025 , the controversial conservative blueprint to remake the federal government.

Vought has advised influential conservative lawmakers on Capitol Hill , held a top post in the Trump White House and later established his own pro-Trump think tank.

He is being mentioned as a candidate to be Trump ’s White House chief of staff, one of the most powerful positions in government.

Russell Vought graduated in 1998 from Wheaton College , a Christian school that counts the famed evangelist Billy Graham among its alumni.

Vought was named policy director of the House Republican Conference , the party’s primary messaging platform.

He was confirmed as OMB director a year and half later as the COVID-19 pandemic was sweeping.

Vought has said that no executive branch department or agency, including the Justice Department , should operate outside the president’s authority.

Critics warn this may leave investigative agencies vulnerable to a president who might pressure them to punish or probe a political foe.

It is not clear what job Vought might get in a second Trump administration.

He could return as OMB director, or a higher-ranking post.