Overview
- Associated Press photographer Julia Demaree Nikhinson captured the over‑the‑shoulder image during Tuesday’s White House Cabinet meeting, and AP reporter Seung Min Kim shared it on X.
- The sketch shows trees, mountains and clouds with an upward‑pointing arrow below the ground line, and its meaning was not explained.
- Journalists and commentators posted quips such as “Bob Ross vibes” and “happy little trees,” and Rep. Nellie Pou shared a doctored version of the drawing.
- The Office of Management and Budget did not immediately respond to questions about the doodle or Vought’s artistic interests, according to the New York Post.
- Coverage framed the moment against Vought’s role overseeing cuts, noting Trump’s October repost of a video depicting him as a “Grim Reaper” and reports of efforts targeting USAID and CPB funding.