Overview
- Speaking to Republican senators on Oct. 21, Trump singled out OMB Director Russ Vought, nicknaming him “Darth Vader” and praising cuts to Democratic priorities.
- Trump said Vought is “cutting Democrat priorities” that “they’re never going to get back,” citing the $20 billion Gateway Tunnel project in New York as an example.
- Reporting ties Vought to the Project 2025 blueprint and describes his use of the shutdown to suspend or withdraw support for programs in Democratic-led jurisdictions.
- The shutdown, which began Oct. 1, is in its fourth week with nearly 750,000 federal workers furloughed and warnings that SNAP benefits could run short in early November.
- Trump suggested Democrats coined the “Darth Vader” label, but coverage indicates he originated it, and the moment drew rapid mockery and critique on social media.