- United States
- Mo.
- Letter
Defend congressional authority from Trump's extralegal agency dismantling
To: Sen. Hawley, Sen. Schmitt, Rep. Bell
From: A verified voter in Saint Louis, MO
February 12, 2025
The Trump administration's actions to undermine and dismantle government agencies like USAID and the CFPB are a blatant usurpation of congressional authority. The Constitution clearly grants Congress the power of the purse and the ability to establish federal agencies and departments. Trump's attempt to abolish these agencies by executive fiat is an unconstitutional overreach of executive power. Congress must vigorously defend its constitutional prerogatives from this assault by the executive branch. Allowing the White House to unilaterally defund and dissolve congressionally-created agencies sets a dangerous precedent that erodes the separation of powers. The decision to restructure or eliminate agencies like USAID should go through the proper legislative process, not be dictated by Trump's political operatives like Elon Musk. Protecting the institutional powers vested in the legislative branch by the Framers is essential to maintaining constitutional checks and balances. I urge Congress to forcefully assert its authority and rein in this administration's extralegal actions that threaten to upend the federal government's established framework.