WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed Russell Vought as White House budget director on Thursday night, putting an official who has planned the zealous expansion of President Donald Trump’s power into one of the most influential positions in the federal government.

The Republican-led U.S. Senate confirmed President Donald Trump's nominee Russell Vought as budget director on Thursday, placing the reins of government funding in the hands of hardline conservative who has advocated for reducing Congress's power over taxpayer dollars.

Russell Vought, 48, the architect of Project 2025, will lead the Office of Management and Budget, where he will oversee the president's budget.

Vought's return to the White House Office of Management and Budget, which he also helmed during Trump's first term, would put him in a role that often goes under the public radar

The U.S. Senate confirmed Russell Vought as budget director in a 53-47 vote, securing a key fiscal role for a staunch conservative aligned with former President Donald Trumps economic policies. Vought,