The ‘Grim Reaper’ of the Government Shutdown – The New York Times

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Russell T. Vought spent years drawing up plans to expand presidential power and shrink federal bureaucracy. Credit…Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

Oct. 6, 2025, 6:00 a.m. ET, Hosted by Natalie Kitroeff, Featuring Coral Davenport, Produced by Rob SzypkoCaitlin O’KeefeCarlos Prieto and Anna Foley, Edited by Lisa Chow

Original music by Marion LozanoDan Powell and Diane Wong, Engineered by Chris Wood


During the continuing government shutdown, President Trump has posted memes depicting Russel T. Vought, the White House budget director, as the grim reaper.

Coral Davenport, a Washington correspondent for The Times, explains how Mr. Vought, a once obscure official, has become one of the most influential figures in Washington.


Coral Davenport, a Washington correspondent for The New York Times, focusing on the Trump administration’s dismantling of federal rules.


Audio

  • Mr. Vought has exerted his influence over nearly every corner of President Trump’s Washington with his command of the levers of the federal budget.
  • Both parties are resigned to deadlock as the government shutdown takes hold.

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