Democrats expressed their gratitude in a speech to American civil servants nationwide, urging them to remain resilient. They reassured these workers that the party is committed to supporting all government employees, both state and federal, particularly in their efforts to prevent the unlawful shutdown of USAID and other agencies. Furthermore, they motivated them to continue their struggle, emphasizing that President Trump lacks authority, especially given that his actions violate the law.
(Source : ABC News) In a stunning and controversial move, the Trump administration, backed by billionaire ally Elon Musk, has moved to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a cornerstone of U.S. global humanitarian efforts for over six decades. The abrupt shutdown has ignited a fiery confrontation with congressional Democrats, who are decrying the action as an illegal power grab and vowing to take the fight to court.
The dramatic showdown unfolded Monday as Democrats attempted to enter USAID’s Washington headquarters, only to be blocked by federal officers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who declared himself the acting administrator of the now-defunct agency, defended the move, claiming USAID had become “unaccountable” to both the executive branch and Congress. Meanwhile, unelected government official, Elon Musk, who has emerged as a key architect of the Trump administration’s aggressive government overhaul, announced the shutdown in a live session on X Spaces, calling the agency “a ball of worms” that was “beyond repair.”
A Blow to Global Aid and U.S. Influence
USAID, established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, has long been a pillar of U.S. foreign policy, providing critical aid to fight starvation, fund education, and combat diseases like HIV/AIDS and Ebola in over 120 countries. Its sudden closure has thrown global humanitarian efforts into chaos, with programs like George W. Bush’s HIV/AIDS initiative—credited with saving over 20 million lives—now in jeopardy. Aid contractors report millions of dollars in medications and supplies stranded in ports, while education programs for Afghan schoolgirls and famine prevention efforts in Uganda have been abruptly halted.
Democrats argue that the shutdown not only undermines U.S. global leadership but also plays directly into the hands of adversaries like China and Russia. “This is a gift to our adversaries,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), calling the move an “illegal power grab” and a “corrupt abuse of power.”
Musk’s Growing Influence Sparks Outrage
Elon Musk’s central role in the shutdown has drawn sharp criticism, with lawmakers accusing the billionaire of wielding unprecedented influence over federal operations. “We don’t have a fourth branch of government called Elon Musk,” Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) declared, as Democrats warned of a constitutional crisis.
Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has spearheaded a sweeping review of federal agencies, gaining access to sensitive information and placing dozens of senior officials on leave without explanation. Over the weekend, two top USAID security chiefs were reportedly placed on leave after refusing to hand over classified materials to Musk’s inspection teams.
Trump Defends the Move, Democrats Fight Back
President Trump defended the shutdown, telling reporters in the Oval Office that USAID’s closure “should have been done a long time ago.” He accused the Biden administration of running a “tremendous fraud” within the agency, though he provided no evidence to support the claim.
Democrats, however, are not backing down. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) emphasized the strategic importance of USAID, stating, “A stable world means a stable America.” Lawmakers are preparing legal challenges and have pledged to block Trump’s State Department nominations until the shutdown is reversed.
A Humanitarian Crisis in the Making
The fallout from USAID’s closure is already being felt worldwide. Thousands of employees have been laid off, and programs critical to global health, education, and food security have been abruptly cut. Organizations reliant on USAID funding are facing financial ruin, with some filing for bankruptcy after being told invoices for completed projects would go unpaid.
As the Trump administration continues its aggressive restructuring of the federal government, the shutdown of USAID stands as one of its most controversial and far-reaching actions. For Democrats and humanitarian advocates, the fight to restore the agency is not just about preserving U.S. influence abroad—it’s about protecting the lives of millions who depend on its aid.
The battle over USAID is far from over, but one thing is clear: the stakes could not be higher.
