Trump Praises OMB Director Vought as 'Darth Vader' Amid Government Shutdown Impacting Millions

President Donald Trump hosted a luncheon for Republican Senators at the White House Rose Garden amid an ongoing government shutdown that has furloughed nearly 750,000 federal workers and affected military personnel working without pay. During his remarks, Trump bizarrely nicknamed Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought "Darth Vader," praising him for aggressively cutting Democratic priorities, particularly defunding major projects like New York’s Gateway Tunnel. Vought is a key figure behind Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint proposing significant reductions in federal government size, expanded presidential powers, strict immigration controls, and a nationwide abortion ban. The government shutdown, which began on October 1, has led to a Republican and Democrat stalemate over federal spending legislation, with both sides blaming each other for the impasse. Trump’s unusual comparison and praise for Vought sparked immediate mockery and political commentary on social media, highlighting the surreal nature of the event. Discussions at the luncheon focused on Republican unity to resolve the funding freeze and end the shutdown, with troops expected to receive back pay once a budget deal is reached.