Donald Trump had a warning to Democrats: soon he will decide what Democrat agencies he would cut and whether those reductions would be temporary or permanent. The government shutdown, which began on Tuesday, has provided him with an unprecedented opportunity.

I have a meeting today with Russ Vought, he of PROJECT 2025 Fame, he posted on his Truth Social website on Thursday morning.

Vought, the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, may not be a household name, but Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for governing put together primarily by former Trump officials like Vought during their time in opposition, was a focal point during last year's presidential campaign.

The 900-page policy document proposed dramatic reductions in the size of the federal government, expanded presidential authority, rigorous immigration enforcement, a nationwide abortion ban, and other elements of an ultra-conservative social agenda.

Trump's use of the policy document as leverage to pressure Democrats into agreeing to his budgetary demands positions Vought as a figure prepared to implement conservative cuts boldly.

In a more theatrical fashion, Trump even shared an AI-generated parody video depicting Vought as a grim reaper set to altered lyrics from Blue Oyster Cult's Don't Fear the Reaper.

Republican leaders have echoed Trump's characterization of Vought as a tough enforcer of budget cuts, raising concerns about how public perception may change as losses in government services mount. The potential for greater reductions during the shutdown, due to less regulatory oversight, gives Vought a chance to implement cuts harder than earlier attempts.

Finally, concerns arise within the party that aggressive actions could alienate voters, potentially countering the strategic advantage Republicans believe they have during the shutdown.