White House admits using key agency's funds for Project 2025 architect's security detail

The White House has defended using funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide security for Russell Vought, the architect of Project 2025, who President Donald Trump named as director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Reuters first reported on Friday that the White House had redirected $15 million in funds from USAID, which had been decimated by Vought, to his security detail.

More than one dozen U.S. Marshals were assigned to protect Vought, one person familiar with the arrangement told Reuters.

"We are going to continue to use available funds at the three agencies overseen by the director to protect him," White House OMB spokesperson Rachel Cauley confirmed.

Under Vought's watch, thousands of jobs have been slashed at USAID, which the Project 2025 architect oversees.

"The person familiar with the matter said that Vought has received serious threats, which the person said were apparently linked to his role as a leading author of Project 2025, the conservative blueprint that has formed the basis of many Trump administration policies," Reuters reported.