Dem Rep. Bluntly Hits Trump Official With His Own Past Words After He Claims Being Called A 'Christian Nationalist' Is 'Slander'

In a contentious back and forth between Wisconsin Democratic Representative Mark Pocan and the Trump administration's Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, Representative Pocan caught Vought out with his own words.

During a congressional hearing on Tuesday, Vought refused to answer direct questions, disputed findings from studies he admitted to having never read, and spouted rehearsed, repetitive right-wing rhetoric to duck Representative Pocan's questions about USAID cuts that led to deaths involving children.

At one point, Representative Pocan pointed out the hypocrisy of Vought constantly proclaiming his Christianity to vilify others and justify his actions, while not following the core values of the faith.

Pocan said:

"...I know you are a Christian nationalist by declaration, by article in—"

Vought interrupted:

"I refuse that slander for—"

Cutting Vought off, Representative Pocan interjected:

"It's not slander. You think that's slander? Do you think calling someone a Christian nationalist is a slander? You wrote an article: 'Is There Anything Actually Wrong With Christian Nationalism?' And now you're saying it's a slander. That's really odd."

You can see the moment here:

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Representative Pocan later noted:

"...if this guy is going to... say Christian nationalism is an insult, he might have some friends to answer to that one for."

People appreciated Representative Pocan bringing the receipts.

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Vought was credited as a key architect and co-author of Project 2025 for the Heritage Foundation.