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Democrats denounce Trump administration’s actions against USAID
Lawmakers are calling for congressional intervention to safeguard the USAID’s mission.
Indian American democrats / File photo
Indian American democrats have strongly criticized the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), calling the actions unlawful and a threat to national security.
Established in 1961, USAID has been a key instrument of American influence globally. However, the agency has recently come under fire as part of the Trump administration’s broader push to restructure the federal government. They are reportedly considering merging the agency with the State Department to boost its efficiency and ensure its spending is in line with the government agenda.
Representative Ami Bera, Ranking Member of the East Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee, denounced the administration’s decision to freeze aid, halt programs, and attempt to shut down the agency.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk's unlawful assault on USAID threatens American security, global stability and our ability to compete with adversaries including China, Russia and Iran.
— Ami Bera, M.D. (@RepBera) February 3, 2025
We must reassert our congressional authority to ensure USAID’s vital and life-saving work continues. pic.twitter.com/nPUI5QkQNu
“The Trump administration’s continued attacks on USAID—gutting its staffing, halting programs without review, freezing lifesaving assistance and now attempting to shut down the agency—are dangerous and shortsighted,” Bera said. “These actions threaten American security, global stability and our ability to compete with adversaries including China, Russia and Iran.”
Bera emphasized that USAID is an independent agency by law and any attempt to alter its structure without congressional approval is illegal. He urged bipartisan action to protect USAID’s role in global development.
Not only is this an undemocratic attempt to shut down a congressionally authorized agency, but it would also weaken American influence abroad, abandon humanitarian efforts, and allow adversaries like the CCP to fill the gap for their own strategic benefit.https://t.co/35Wk594vtw
— Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (@CongressmanRaja) February 3, 2025
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi echoed these concerns, warning that the move would harm U.S. influence abroad. “Not only is this an undemocratic attempt to shut down a congressionally authorized agency, but it would also weaken American influence abroad, abandon humanitarian efforts, and allow adversaries like the Communist Party of China to fill the gap for their own strategic benefit,” he said.
Representative Suhas Subramanyam joined colleagues and USAID employees outside the agency headquarters, vowing to resist the administration’s actions. “We are under threat, and House Democrats will not be standing idly by and watching as they illegally tear our government to the ground,” he stated.
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