1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern over recent actions by President Donald Trump and advisor Elon Musk, which appear to systematically undermine our democratic institutions. While not a traditional coup, these developments represent a significant shift in power dynamics that threatens the foundational principles of our republic. 1. Consolidation of Power and Bypassing Democratic Processes Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): President Trump appointed Elon Musk to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency. In this role, Musk has implemented extensive cost-cutting measures across federal agencies, leading to substantial layoffs and the dismantling of regulatory frameworks without adequate legislative oversight. This centralization of authority raises concerns about checks and balances within our government. Circumvention of Congressional Authority: The administration's actions, such as withholding funds appropriated by Congress and restructuring agencies without legislative approval, undermine the separation of powers. This approach effectively sidelines the legislative branch, concentrating power within the executive. 2. Erosion of Public Services and Regulatory Oversight Dismantling Consumer Protections: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has been effectively gutted, halting investigations and enforcement actions. This leaves consumers vulnerable to predatory practices, as financial institutions operate with reduced oversight. Impact on Federal Workforce: Reports indicate that federal employees face significant uncertainty due to abrupt policy changes and potential job losses. This instability hampers the government's ability to effectively serve the public and maintain essential services. 3. Control Over Financial Infrastructure Access to Treasury Systems: Elon Musk's access to the U.S. Treasury's payment systems, including those managing Social Security and Medicare, raises alarms about the potential misuse of sensitive financial data. Such control by an unelected official threatens the integrity of our financial infrastructure. These developments collectively represent a concerted effort to concentrate power within a select group, bypassing democratic norms and institutions. This trajectory poses a significant threat to the checks and balances that are essential to our democracy. I urge you to take immediate action to investigate these matters thoroughly and to uphold the constitutional principles that define our nation. It is imperative that Congress exercises its oversight responsibilities to ensure that no individual or group can undermine the democratic foundations of the United States. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.