Protests erupt during Project 2025 architect's hearing just as lawmakers plan to grill him

Capitol police escorted a group of protesters out of the room after the architect of Project 2025 was interrupted by shouting during a House Budget Committee hearing on Wednesday.

Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought was testifying before lawmakers about President Trump’s fiscal 2027 White House budget request when a group started yelling.

The committee paused the hearing while police forced the group out. At least one person was carrying a sign advocating for PEPFAR, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which Vought has tried to cut.

A number of lawmakers were expected to have tough questions for Vought, MS NOW reported. Democrats were expected to press him on the growing Pentagon budget, cuts to health care spending, Iran war-funding and the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown.

Vought reportedly broke from tradition and did not testify before Congress last year and has ignored lawmakers' questions.

Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA) told MS NOW Vought has been dodging their questions and was "missing and reclusive." He said Vought has not responded to written questions and called out his "stone cold silence."