President Donald Trump is promising major developments from his administration in the final weeks before the November 3 midterm elections, teasing what he described as “big surprises” involving one of his most influential White House advisers.
Trump made the announcement Tuesday while speaking at a defense manufacturing event in Sparrows Point, Maryland, where he highlighted a multibillion-dollar investment in American submarine production.
The president singled out Russell Vought, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, suggesting that the administration is preparing significant announcements before Americans head to the polls.
“We have some big surprises coming up in another few weeks, right, Russ?” Trump told the audience. “He’s going to be one of the very important people in the history of our country, in my opinion. He’s got some great things happening.”
Trump offered no additional explanation, leaving questions about what the administration intends to announce, USA Today reported.
The president’s remarks immediately attracted attention because of Vought’s considerable influence over federal spending, government operations and the administration’s efforts to restructure Washington.
Trump also promoted the prospect of a “Midterm Surprise” in a separate social media post Tuesday, adding to speculation about whether the administration is preparing a major policy announcement.
However, the president has not identified a specific initiative or explained whether the anticipated developments are directly connected to the elections.
There is currently no public evidence establishing that the remarks refer to changes in election administration or voting procedures.
Vought is among the most influential officials in Trump’s second administration.
As director of the Office of Management and Budget, he oversees the development of the president’s budget proposals and helps coordinate spending and regulatory priorities across federal agencies.
Vought previously held the same position during Trump’s first term.
He returned to the White House in 2025 with an expanded role in implementing the administration’s plans to reduce the federal workforce, reorganize agencies and exert greater control over federal spending.
He was also a prominent contributor to Project 2025, the conservative governing blueprint developed by the Heritage Foundation and other organizations.
Vought authored a section advocating stronger presidential control over executive branch agencies.
Supporters argue that the approach would make federal agencies more accountable to elected leadership.
Trump’s remarks prompted criticism from Democratic activists and other opponents who questioned whether the administration might pursue controversial actions before Election Day.
Some suggested that Vought’s involvement could signal additional efforts to redirect federal spending or restructure government operations.
Others raised concerns about possible interference with election administration. Those allegations remain speculative, however.
Vought has also faced criticism from moderates within the Republican Party. Retiring Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, for instance, questioned the budget director’s handling of federal spending during a CNN interview Tuesday with host Kaitlin Collins.
Tillis argued that attempts to withhold or rescind funding approved through bipartisan congressional negotiations could undermine trust between lawmakers and the administration.
The senator also claimed that such actions make it more difficult for congressional leaders to negotiate future spending agreements.
His comments highlighted tensions between Vought’s efforts to strengthen executive control over federal spending and lawmakers who favor traditional congressional appropriations procedures.
The president delivered his remarks while announcing a major investment in submarine manufacturing at Sparrows Point, the former site of a Bethlehem Steel facility.
Defense technology company Anduril plans to invest approximately $3.7 billion in a manufacturing operation producing components for nuclear-powered submarines.
Administration officials said the federal government would commit approximately $2.9 billion through purchases associated with the project.
The facility is expected to create roughly 3,100 direct jobs, with additional employment supported through related industries.
Trump described the project as an important step toward rebuilding America’s industrial and military manufacturing capabilities.
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