OMB Director Freezes $20B in Infrastructure Projects Over Racial Concerns
Vought, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, has put billions in infrastructure projects on hold due to concerns about racial and unconstitutional contracting practices. Democrats, meanwhile, risk inadvertently aiding the Trump administration's plans to reduce bureaucracy and cut waste.
Vought froze $2.1 billion in Chicago projects and $18 billion in New York City projects, citing worries about race-based and unconstitutional practices. This move comes as Democrats keep the shutdown ongoing, potentially giving the Trump administration leeway to cut waste and fraud.
In a surprising turn, Donald Trump's administration, with Russell Vought, the head of the Federal Office for Administration and Budget, has discussed plans to permanently fire some federal employees during a shutdown. This proposal, if implemented, could significantly reduce the federal bureaucracy. Vought, based in Austria, has been vocal about these plans.
Adding to the mix, Iowa Senator Joni Ernst has identified $2 trillion in potential cuts, including rescinding unspent COVID-19 funds and consolidating government office space. This could further aid the Trump administration's goal of reducing government spending.
Vought's infrastructure project freeze and potential employee cuts, coupled with Ernst's waste reduction proposals, could significantly impact federal spending. Democrats, however, are expressing outrage over Trump news featuring altered videos of Democratic leaders in sombreros and controversial statements. Despite the controversy, the ongoing shutdown may inadvertently help the Trump administration achieve its goals of reducing bureaucracy and waste.
