Ilhan Omar Condemns Trump and Musk Over USAID Changes
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., joined several Democratic lawmakers on Monday in a vehement criticism of President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, accusing them of attempting to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Omar characterized the ongoing efforts by Trump and Musk as steps toward establishing a dictatorship.
Lawmakers Rally Against USAID Cuts
Speaking outside the USAID building in Washington, D.C., Omar condemned the moves being made to take control of independent agencies like USAID under the auspices of cutting wasteful spending. “It is a really, really sad day in America. We are witnessing a constitutional crisis,” she stated. Omar expressed her concern over what she perceives as Trump’s desire to centralize power, warning, “This is what the beginning of dictatorship looks like when you gut the Constitution.”
Concerns Over Congressional Powers
Omar firmly criticized Trump, Musk, and their associates for allegedly seeking to undermine Congress’s constitutional authority to allocate federal funds. “Privileged billionaires who don’t give a damn about America and Americans should not be making decisions that put Americans at harm,” she argued, stressing her personal experience as a refugee who once relied on USAID programs for support. “A billionaire that hasn’t been vetted has not gone through confirmation… should not be telling American employees that they cannot access the building they work at,” she added.
Reactions from Other Lawmakers
Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., echoed Omar’s concerns, asserting that neither Trump nor Musk have the authority to alter operations at USAID, which was established by Congress. “Just like Elon Musk did not create USAID, he doesn’t have the power to destroy it. And who’s going to stop him? We are!” Raskin declared, emphasizing Congress’s authority outlined in Article One of the Constitution.
Musk’s Response on Social Media
In response to the lawmakers’ remarks, Musk took to social media platform X to defend his position. He accused the protesting politicians of benefiting from USAID funding, stating, “The corrupt politicians ‘protesting’ outside the USAID building are the ones getting money from USAID. That’s why they’re there – they want your stolen tax dollars!”
Divided Opinions on USAID’s Mission
While Democratic lawmakers expressed deep concern over the potential dismantling of USAID, Republican hardliners have rallied behind Trump and Musk, supporting what they term necessary reforms. USAID, an independent federal agency, is primarily responsible for providing foreign aid aimed at promoting development, combating poverty and disease, and fostering democracy abroad.
Criticism of Funding Allocation
Conservatives argue that USAID has deviated from its intended mission, citing examples of funds being allocated to controversial initiatives. The White House has pointed out that .5 million was sent to USAID to promote “diversity, equity, and inclusion” in Serbia, and accusations of supporting LGBT activism in Guatemala have been made. Additionally, the agency has faced scrutiny over providing resources to organizations linked with al-Qaeda in Syria.
Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., labelled USAID a “corrupt governmental organization run by unelected bureaucrats” and questioned the legitimacy of American taxpayer dollars being directed towards initiatives that do not align with U.S. interests.
Debt and National Interest Concerns
Highlighting the national debt exceeding trillion, Biggs emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility, arguing against continuing financial support for countries perceived as hostile to American interests. Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., expressed a belief that shutting down USAID could alleviate taxpayer burdens and encourage self-reliance in aid-dependent countries.
State Department’s Position
The U.S. State Department has acknowledged concerns over USAID’s alignment with national interests. A recent update stated that President Trump has appointed Marco Rubio as Acting Administrator of USAID to conduct a review of its foreign assistance activities, with an emphasis on potential reorganization. The statement reaffirmed that the administration’s priority is to protect taxpayer interests, ensuring funds are not wasted.
The ongoing back-and-forth between Democrat and Republican lawmakers, as well as the input from high-profile figures like Elon Musk, underscores the contentious debate surrounding the future of USAID and reflects broader ideological divides regarding foreign aid and the role of government in citizens’ lives.
Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.
