The Shadow President

From the wholesale gutting of federal agencies to the 2025 government shutdown, Russell Vought has drawn the road map for President Donald Trump’s second term. Vought has consolidated power to an extent that insiders say they feel like “he is the commander in chief.” By Andy Kroll. Originally published on October 17, 2025. Reading produced by News Over Audio. Support our journalism by donating at propublica.org/donate.