Lawmakers are finally getting mad about money

Plus, what the meeting between Kushner and Jeffries could signal for the GOP |

VIEW IN BROWSER MS NOW DAILY Understand today's news Monday, Aug. 24, 2026 Even Republican lawmakers are getting tired of Russell Vought's tactics By Hayes Brown Even Republican lawmakers are getting tired of Russell Vought's tactics By Hayes Brown There’s been a lack of trust lately between the Capitol and White House. On one end of Pennsylvania Avenue, Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought has claimed sweeping authority to withhold money from projects that go against President Donald Trump’s policies. But just over a mile away in the halls of Congress, even Republican lawmakers are finally growing tired of Vought’s incessant incursions into their power of the purse. Since returning to the head of OMB last year, Vought has used every lever he can reach to staunch the flow of federal dollars. While Elon Musk was the face of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, it was Vought’s OMB that implemented the unilateral spending cuts and mass firings DOGE recommended. He’s argued in favor of the president impounding money that Congress has appropriated, despite a law specifically forbidding the practice, and proposed truly draconian spending cuts during his time in and out of office. Vought has reluctantly involved Congress in his crusade — but only when his hand has been forced. And since last summer, he's been busy finding new ways to circumvent Congress. And his shenanigans have grown increasingly less well-received with legislators as time has passed.   This is a preview of a column by Hayes Brown. Read the full column here. Respond directly to Hayes Brown’s column by submitting a letter to the editor through this form. Read our submission guidelines here.  Respond directly to Hayes Brown’s column by submitting a letter to the editor through this form. Read our submission guidelines here.  TOP STORIES HAYES BROWN Trump’s list of historical figures he admires has a big flaw The president reportedly thinks that he is a “Top 10” world historical figure who is meant to change the world. That level of self-aggrandizing often doesn’t end well. Read more. PEGGY HELMAN AND ALEX TABET How struggling farmers could turn Iowa blue and hand Democrats power “We should end this war and provide some predictability for farmers rather than asking farmers to take the economic hit,” the Iowa Farmers’ Union leader told MS NOW. Read more. CLARISSA-JAN LIM Postal Service issues ‘final order’ to restrict mail-in voting The agency’s order says it will deliver mail ballots only in states that share voter data with the Trump administration. The Supreme Court could rule on the matter at any point. Read more. ERUM SALAM ‘Benefits of being a state’: Trump escalates tariff war with Canada His comments come after the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on Canadian goods on Saturday. Read more. ASK ANDREW WEISSMANN MS NOW legal analyst Andrew Weissmann is working on a new project where he answers YOUR questions. What questions do you have for him about today’s legal news? What legal news topics stood out and worry you the most? Submit them here. Your question may appear on our site. TOP VIDEOS THE WEEKEND ‘The House will probably flip’: What the Jeffries - Kushner meeting could signal for Trump’s GOP WATCH NOW WEEKENDS WITH ALEX WITT Iowan seeing Trump signs disappear from red state offers a word of advice for the president WATCH NOW MORNING JOE Trump’s net approval rating is negative in almost all U.S. states WATCH NOW THE WEEKEND ‘Very concerned’ for staff: Former Stars and Stripes editor speaks out after being fired by Pentagon WATCH NOW MORE FROM MS NOW This week on “The Best People,” Nicolle Wallace is joined by host of “The Bulwark Daily” podcast Tim Miller to discuss a shift in President Trump’s more casual supporters. Subscribe to MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts for early access, ad-free listening, and bonus content.  On Saturday, September 26, don’t miss the chance to attend “Together in Texas: We the People 2026,” our annual live community event. As the country heads toward the 2026 midterm elections, we’re bringing conversations with top newsmakers and insights from your favorite MS NOW hosts to the place at the center of it all: Texas. Click here to buy your tickets now.   MSNBC INSIGHTS Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community.   229 West 43rd St. New York, NY 10036 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE