- United States
- Mich.
- Letter
The ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to restructure or potentially shut down USAID raise serious constitutional concerns. As the Congressional Research Service stated, abolishing or significantly consolidating USAID would require congressional authorization. These unilateral actions undermine the established checks and balances of our government. It is deeply concerning that hundreds of USAID employees have been locked out of their email accounts and security officials faced repercussions for attempting to safeguard classified information from unauthorized access. Calling public servants "worms" and labeling USAID a "criminal organization" is unacceptable rhetoric that undermines this agency's vital humanitarian work around the world. We must hold the administration accountable for these reckless actions that threaten USAID's critical missions like supporting democracy, delivering aid, and distributing vaccines globally. Every attempt to overstep legal boundaries and dismantle this congressionally-mandated agency without proper legislative approval must be stringently opposed through all available means. The independence and functioning of USAID is a matter of national security that impacts millions worldwide.