The White House budget director, Russell T. Vought, should be removed from office immediately for his role in unlawfully withholding nearly $1 billion in Head Start funding — a lifeline for over 800,000 children from low-income families.

According to a new report from the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Trump administration violated federal law by delaying the disbursement of Congressionally approved funds for Head Start during the first three months of 2025. These delays weren’t just a bureaucratic hiccup — they caused real and lasting harm. Across the country, childcare centers struggled to keep their doors open. Working families were left scrambling. Kids lost access to early learning, meals, and support they desperately needed.

This is not a one-time offense. It’s the third time this year the GAO has found that the administration defied Congress by unlawfully withholding federal funding. And it’s part of a disturbing pattern: President Trump and his aides — including Vought — are attempting to override the will of Congress and rewrite the federal budget based on their political agenda.

Russell Vought has shown no remorse. He continues to claim the law is unconstitutional and has even hinted at more funding cancellations later this year. That’s not just irresponsible — it’s dangerous.

Congress controls the nation’s spending. When unelected officials like Vought undermine that process, they’re not just breaking the law — they’re attacking our democracy.

Every child deserves a fair shot, no matter their zip code. And every official who violates their oath should be held accountable.

We call on President Trump to immediately remove Russell T. Vought from his position as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Enough is enough — our children and our democracy deserve better.

Photo: Francis Chung/POLITICO