Trump’s Budget Chief Pick Draws Scrutiny Over Ukraine Aid Stance

Jan. 15, 2025, 8:40 PM UTC

President-elect Donald Trump’s prospective budget director faced bipartisan scrutiny on Capitol Hill today over his role in withholding Ukraine aid, a warning sign for conservatives who want the new White House to move aggressively to block spending.

Russell Vought, who’s nominated to serve a second stint as Trump’s White House Office of Management and Budget director, told lawmakers he plans to follow the law, though he believes a current statute, requiring officials to spend congressionally appropriated funds, is unconstitutional.

Vought balked when pressed by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) on if he’d continue to send appropriated aid to Ukraine.

“I’m not ...

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