In a startling revelation, Russell Vought, a former Trump administration official and key architect behind Project 2025, was secretly recorded discussing controversial plans for a potential second Trump term. The recording, made by journalists from the British nonprofit Centre for Climate Reporting, reveals Vought’s candid views on presidential power, religious liberty, and immigration, as well as his close, ongoing relationship with Donald Trump.

The Secret Meeting

Last month, Vought met with two individuals he believed were representatives of a wealthy conservative donor. The meeting took place in a five-star Washington, D.C., hotel suite, where Vought discussed his work preparing policy frameworks for Trump’s potential return to office. Unbeknownst to Vought, the meeting was secretly recorded by journalists who had created a fictitious backstory to gain his trust.

Project 2025 and “Shadow Agencies”

Project 2025, a comprehensive plan for a potential second Trump administration, has been publicly disavowed by Trump, but Vought’s recorded comments suggest otherwise. He described his work on the project as the creation of “shadow” agencies and confirmed that his group, the Center for Renewing America (CRA), has Trump’s full support. Vought revealed that his team is drafting hundreds of executive orders and regulations to enable swift implementation of Trump’s policies, should he return to the White House.

“Eighty percent of my time is working on the plans of what’s necessary to take control of these bureaucracies,” Vought said during the meeting. He emphasized that his work includes planning for mass deportations and dismantling the independence of federal agencies.

Radical Views on Religion and Immigration

In the recordings, Vought also criticized the conservative movement for its focus on religious liberty, advocating instead for what he termed “Christian nation-ism.” He expressed a desire to prioritize Christian immigrants over those of other faiths and to challenge the construction of mosques in American cities. These views push the boundaries of First Amendment protections and signal a shift toward more extreme religious and nationalist policies.

Vought further elaborated on plans to curtail pornography through indirect legal means, such as making websites liable if accessed by minors. He suggested that this approach could force companies to stop operating in states with stringent laws.

A New Role in a Second Trump Administration?

While Vought has not been formally offered a position in a potential Trump administration, he acknowledged that there is an “expectation” he would take on a significant role. Some within the MAGA movement have speculated that Vought could be considered for the position of White House Chief of Staff.

Public and Legal Ramifications

The release of the secret recording has sparked controversy over both the content of Vought’s comments and the methods used to obtain them. The Centre for Climate Reporting defended its tactics, citing the public interest in revealing the private views of a key figure in the MAGA movement. The organization provided CNN with an unedited version of the video under the condition that the faces of its employees be blurred to protect their ability to conduct future undercover investigations.

In response to the video, the CRA downplayed its significance, stating that Vought’s comments were consistent with the organization’s public positions. Trump’s campaign also distanced itself from Project 2025, emphasizing that Trump sets his own agenda.

Conclusion

The secret recording of Russell Vought offers a rare glimpse into the strategic planning and ideological motivations behind a potential second Trump administration. As the 2024 election approaches, these revelations may intensify the scrutiny of Trump’s campaign and the broader conservative movement’s plans for the future of the United States.