- United States
- Texas
- Letter
The actions taken by President Trump in empowering Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are highly concerning and represent a significant overreach of executive authority. By granting DOGE unfettered access to critical government systems and data, Trump has effectively ceded an unprecedented level of control over the operations and spending of federal agencies to an unelected billionaire with glaring conflicts of interest. This consolidation of power undermines the principles of checks and balances and separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution. It jeopardizes the independence of agencies like USAID and the SBA, subjecting their vital work to the whims of a single individual pursuing an opaque agenda. The allegations that DOGE is operating without proper oversight or accountability mechanisms are deeply troubling. Furthermore, Musk's attempts to shut down agencies like USAID without congressional approval are likely unlawful and a direct subversion of the legislative branch's power of the purse. Such unilateral actions disregard the legal processes and norms that have governed the federal government for decades. While improving government efficiency is a laudable goal, the approach taken by the Trump administration risks causing immense disruption and harm to essential public services and programs. A transparent, lawful, and participatory process involving all stakeholders would better serve the interests of the American people. I urge you to take immediate action to rein in DOGE's overreach and restore proper checks and balances within the executive branch.
