Wheaton College recently faced backlash after deleting a congratulatory message for its alumnus, Russell Vought, who was confirmed as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Initially, the college shared a post on Facebook celebrating Vought’s achievement and asking for prayers for him. However, the political climate surrounding his appointment sparked negative reactions online.
Wheaton College explained that their intention was not to engage in politics. They emphasized their focus on Christ and clarified that as a non-profit institution, they do not endorse political figures. The college noted that the overwhelming number of hostile comments prompted them to remove the post to avoid further distraction.
In response to the college’s actions, Vought expressed his disappointment on Twitter, saying “SAD!” Senator Eric Schmitt from Missouri criticized Wheaton for retracting their congratulations, describing it as ridiculous and asserting that Vought should be celebrated for his accomplishments.
Meanwhile, Hillsdale College took a different approach. They proudly reaffirmed their support for Vought by stating they would not delete their congratulatory message.
Wheaton College did reach out to confirm that their removal of the post wasn’t an apology for recognizing Vought but rather an attempt to avoid further discord. Vought, who has previously served in a similar capacity, was confirmed last week with a party-line vote, showcasing the polarized nature of today’s political landscape. After the confirmation, he expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout the process and looked forward to his new role.
