Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought is depicted as the Grim Reaper in a new artificial intelligence video posted by President Trump as the threatened administration layoffs loom.
The video posted on Truth Social shows Mr. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance as part of a band while the song “(Don’t Fear) the Reaper” by Blue Oyster Cult plays.
Mr. Vought as the Grim Reaper is depicted touring Washington with his scythe. In one scene, he’s walking through a hallway lined with pictures of Democratic lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both of New York, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California.
Mr. Vought leads the way in cutting projects and federal employees amid the shutdown’s third day. He announced Wednesday that funding of $18 billion for two infrastructure projects in New York City were on pause, pending review.
The two plans, for the Hudson Tunnel and Second Avenue subway, were being checked to “determine whether any unconstitutional practices are occurring,” the Transportation Department said.
Mr. Vought also announced the cancellation of $8 billion for green energy projects in 16 states, which he called “Green New Scam funding to fuel the Left’s climate agenda.”
A Congressional Budget Office report estimates that 750,000 employees could be furloughed during the shutdown, which would cost taxpayers $400 million in compensation per day for work not being done. That could vary, depending on how many employees an agency furloughs and the length of the shutdown.
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.
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