Vought was confirmed in a party-line vote of 53-47. With the Senate chamber full, Democrats tried to speak out several times to give their reasons for voting against Vought, but were silenced by Senator Ashley Moody, a Republican from Florida who was presiding over the session and cited Senate rules prohibiting debate during votes.
Thursday night's vote came after Democrats exhausted their only remaining tool to obstruct a nomination: keeping the Senate floor overnight and the day before with a series of speeches warning that Vought was Trump's "most dangerous nominee."
"Confirming the most radical nominee, with the most extreme agenda, to the most important agency in Washington," said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer in a speech on the floor. "Triple disaster for American workers."
Vought's return to the White House Office of Management and Budget, which he also led during Trump's first term, puts him in a role that often goes unnoticed by the public but holds key power in implementing the president's goals. The office serves as a nerve center for the White House, as it is responsible for developing its budget, policy priorities, and agency regulations.
Vought has already played an influential role in Trump's effort to restructure the federal government as one of the architects of Project 2025, a conservative plan for Trump's second term.
The budget office is already shaking up federal spending. It issued a memo to freeze federal spending, causing panic in schools, states, and nonprofit organizations, although it was later rescinded due to legal challenges.
In the Senate, Republicans have stayed in line to advance Vought's nomination and argued that his mindset will be crucial in reducing federal spending and regulations.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune advocated for his confirmation this week, saying he "will have the opportunity to address two key economic issues: reducing burdensome government regulations and addressing excessive spending."