Russell Vought

Rule Changes

Named as defendant in lawsuit

A federal judge in New York has blocked the Trump administration from airing taxpayer-funded ads promoting the president through Nov. 20. On Oct. 30 she also ordered three of the ads removed from government websites and social media. A separate Oct. 28 ruling by Judge Loren AliKhan in Washington, in a suit by the Democratic National Committee, blocks the government from creating and airing the ads through Nov. 11.

Updated Oct 31

Rule Changes

Announced the October 2025 grant cancellations

A federal judge ordered the Energy Department to restore $82.1 million in clean energy grants it cancelled in October 2025, ruling the cuts violated the Fifth Amendment's equal protection guarantee by singling out grantees in states that voted for Kamala Harris. A year on, most of the money is still frozen: about 61% of the 321 cancelled awards remain in disputes with the agency, and projects the department said it would keep have received almost nothing.

Updated Oct 28

Rule Changes

As of July 2026: States moving to name his office as a defendant as the case continues

The Department of Health and Human Services ended its six-month freeze on $10 billion in child care and family-aid money for five states on July 14. The funds, meant for low-income families in California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York, are flowing again.

Updated Jul 15

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Leading CFPB restructuring

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau returned $21 billion to defrauded Americans over its 14-year existence. The agency that Elizabeth Warren built now faces major cuts (workforce down to 200 from 1,700, budget halved), though federal judges are blocking dismantling efforts.

Updated May 27

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Confirmed 53-47 on February 7, 2025

Trump's second-term cabinet confirmations became the most contentious in modern history. The Senate confirmed all 22 nominees, but only after contentious battles.

Updated May 19