Listen now | We're joined this week by a key architect of President Trump's budget and regulatory agenda: Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought.
Good discussion on administrative reform and fiscal policy. My deeper concern with Director Vought isn’t his budget expertise - it’s how his self-described Christian nationalist worldview shapes his approach to governance. When policy is filtered through an explicitly theological lens, “reform” risks becoming a reshaping of institutions to reflect a single religious and cultural order, rather than neutral administration.
Ten years ago, would a liberty-minded entrepreneur have been comfortable elevating someone whose governing philosophy leaves so little room for pluralism in the management of public institutions?
I’m not criticizing Vought for being Christian. I’m pointing out that he has explicitly described his worldview as Christian nationalist, a term with specific political implications. The issue isn’t personal faith; it’s the merging of religious identity with the machinery of the state in a way that narrows space for pluralism.
A healthy republic requires institutions that serve everyone, not just those who share a particular theology or cultural identity.
Ridiculous. Similar to the 'I am not anti-Semitic. I just don't like the Jews who don't know their place'
Face it. It really seems like you don't want people with serious religious beliefs involved in politics. You want people to check their most fundamental values at that door, so that you can go on with your sniffy 'I don't like Christians thing'
Could you interview someone who can discuss how companies supposedly helping hospitals access increased medicaid/medicare reimbursements are driving up costs of healthcare, without any additional benefits to healthcare outcomes?
Please consider investing in and upgrading Red River Army Depot in NE Texas. The workers, many hard working friends, would love to get in on the defense modernization efforts. Thank you. 😊
Joe thank you so much for all you’re doing for America. Russ Vaught is an amazing person. I can’t wait to actually see the results of this Administration. Earl
Hi Joe,
Good discussion on administrative reform and fiscal policy. My deeper concern with Director Vought isn’t his budget expertise - it’s how his self-described Christian nationalist worldview shapes his approach to governance. When policy is filtered through an explicitly theological lens, “reform” risks becoming a reshaping of institutions to reflect a single religious and cultural order, rather than neutral administration.
Ten years ago, would a liberty-minded entrepreneur have been comfortable elevating someone whose governing philosophy leaves so little room for pluralism in the management of public institutions?
Oh yeah, that makes sense. When you run out of reasons to criticize people, start calling them 'Christians' that will really hit hard.
JBP,
I’m not criticizing Vought for being Christian. I’m pointing out that he has explicitly described his worldview as Christian nationalist, a term with specific political implications. The issue isn’t personal faith; it’s the merging of religious identity with the machinery of the state in a way that narrows space for pluralism.
A healthy republic requires institutions that serve everyone, not just those who share a particular theology or cultural identity.
Ridiculous. Similar to the 'I am not anti-Semitic. I just don't like the Jews who don't know their place'
Face it. It really seems like you don't want people with serious religious beliefs involved in politics. You want people to check their most fundamental values at that door, so that you can go on with your sniffy 'I don't like Christians thing'
Love this podcast, Joe.
Could you interview someone who can discuss how companies supposedly helping hospitals access increased medicaid/medicare reimbursements are driving up costs of healthcare, without any additional benefits to healthcare outcomes?
Please consider investing in and upgrading Red River Army Depot in NE Texas. The workers, many hard working friends, would love to get in on the defense modernization efforts. Thank you. 😊
Joe thank you so much for all you’re doing for America. Russ Vaught is an amazing person. I can’t wait to actually see the results of this Administration. Earl