WASHINGTON – State Democracy Defenders Action (SDDA) has joined a broad coalition of pro-democracy organizations to urge Congress and members of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) to reject the nomination of Russell Vought for Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
The groups argue Vought’s history and actions make him fundamentally unfit for any leadership role in government including his work as a key architect of the controversial “Schedule F” proposal to dismantle the neutral, merit-based civil service.
“Russ Vought’s deeply troubling history of targeting civil servants and undermining constitutional values raises serious concerns,” said Susan Corke, managing director of SDDA. “Unfortunately, he is just one of several nominees that represent a broader danger to the democratic principles that are designed to empower and protect the people of this nation. Members of Congress and HSGAC have a duty to reject these appointments and uphold their responsibility to safeguard our communities and strengthen our democracy.”
In addition to Vought, former President-elect Trump has put forth a series of extremist cabinet nominees who embody a deep-rooted hostility toward the rule of law, nonpartisan federal civil service, and the core principles that must guide the highest levels of our government.
Kash Patel, nominee for FBI Director, poses a grave threat to the FBI’s independence with his unwavering loyalty to Trump, retaliatory rhetoric and support for far-right causes. Pam Bondi, nominee for U.S. Attorney General, undermines the credibility required for the role through her consistent personal defense of Trump during impeachment and criminal trials.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominee for Secretary of Health & Human Services, is a dangerous choice due to his history of spreading anti-vaccine disinformation, threatening public health and scientific integrity. Pete Hegseth, nominee for Secretary of Defense, is unfit to lead the military given his attacks on diversity, sexist remarks, and troubling history of misconduct. Finally, Tulsi Gabbard, nominee for Director of National Intelligence, lacks experience in the intelligence community and has a documented record of amplifying Russian propaganda, raising serious concerns about her ability to safeguard U.S. intelligence operations.
State Democracy Defenders Action brings together a nonpartisan team to work with national, state and local allies across the country committed to upholding the rule of law, fighting against autocracy and defending the Constitution.