In a series of previously unreleased speeches, Russell Vought, a prominent adviser to former President Donald Trump, outlined plans to address domestic unrest using military force, reduce funding for the Environmental Protection Agency, and create significant challenges for career civil servants. Delivered in 2023 and 2024, these speeches provide insights into Vought’s expansive vision for a potential second term under Trump.
Vought, who previously served as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget under Trump, explained his strategies for crafting legal justifications to prevent military leaders or government lawyers from obstructing Trump’s executive orders. He characterized these plans as a response to what he described as a “Marxist takeover” of the nation, drawing historical comparisons to turbulent periods such as 1776 and 1860. Vought also termed Trump’s candidacy as divinely timed.
ProPublica and Documented obtained videos of Vought’s speeches at events hosted by the Center for Renewing America, a pro-Trump think tank he leads. The think tank has employed figures like Jeffrey Clark, a former senior Justice Department lawyer who supported Trump’s 2020 election challenges, along with other Trump allies.
Vought’s speeches revealed a more extreme rhetoric compared to his public statements, such as his intentions to undercut independent federal agencies and demoralize federal workers to a point where they would lose interest in performing their duties. His plans include defunding agencies like the EPA to hinder their regulatory capabilities.
Vought’s agenda aligns closely with Trump’s campaign promises, including using military force against domestic protesters, addressing what Trump refers to as the “enemy within.” Trump’s former chief of staff, retired Marine Gen. John Kelly, has criticized this approach, suggesting it leans towards authoritarianism.
Further aligning with Trump’s policies, Vought criticized Biden’s expansion of gender-affirming care, using harsh language against transgender rights. Vought reportedly maintains a close working relationship with Trump, and through undercover interactions, confirmed Trump’s support for the Center for Renewing America.
Vought is expected to remain influential if Trump secures a second term, with possible roles such as White House Chief of Staff being considered. The strategic plans discussed include drafting executive orders and regulations for a future Trump presidency, utilizing the Insurrection Act to justify military use in domestic scenarios, and opposing internal resistance faced during Trump’s first term.
His speeches also addressed developing a “shadow” Office of Legal Counsel to ensure the administration’s goals are achieved without internal opposition. Furthermore, Vought aims to financially constrain federal agencies to prevent them from functioning effectively, intending to cause distress among public servants.
Vought’s role extends beyond the think tank to being involved in Project 2025, an initiative designed to prepare individuals for positions in a future conservative administration. The initiative aims at a swift implementation of right-leaning policies once in power, despite Trump himself disassociating from this project.
In addition to his proposals, Vought criticized agencies like the DOJ and the Federal Reserve for their perceived independence, emphasizing a need for a more centralized executive control. He advocates for a renewed national identity grounded in religious values, criticizing the current political and administrative structure.
Vought’s speeches position the 2024 election as a pivotal moment in U.S. history, comparing it to significant past events like the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. He highlighted an urgent need to counter what he perceives as excessive power held by unelected bureaucrats and independent regulatory agencies.
Vought’s narrative includes accusations against right-wing organizations he perceives as complicit in maintaining the current governmental structure, taking a firm stance against the Federalist Society’s influence in nurturing future conservative legal minds.
As part of his strategic vision, Vought endorsed unverified claims regarding the legitimacy of the 2020 election, aligning media debunking efforts with propaganda tactics used by regimes like China’s. He depicted Jan. 6 detainees as political prisoners, accusing federal agencies of unjustly targeting political opponents.
Ultimately, Vought encourages Republican-led states to resist federal oversight, promoting a vision of state sovereignty should Trump’s second-term bid fail. He emphasizes Trump’s unique capability to lead a “radical constitutional” agenda against what he describes as the nation’s leftist adversaries.