Progressive lawmakers have accused former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk of orchestrating what they describe as a "plutocratic coup." The condemnation comes after attempts to shut down the foreign aid agency USAid and grant Musk's team access to the Treasury Department's federal payment system. This series of actions has sparked fears of a constitutional crisis, prompting calls for accountability and transparency.
Senator Elizabeth Warren has taken decisive action by sending a formal letter to Trump's newly appointed Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent. She demands answers regarding his role in permitting Musk's associates access to the sensitive payment system. This move is part of a broader response from Democratic lawmakers who have been inundated with concerns from constituents about the potential jeopardizing of their personal information.
Adding to the turmoil, USAid staffers found themselves locked out of their offices on Monday. The White House confirmed plans to merge USAid with the State Department, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism. Representative Ilhan Omar voiced her concerns, accusing Trump and Musk of attempting to "take away the constitutional power of Congress."
"We are witnessing a constitutional crisis," – Representative Ilhan Omar
Representative Greg Casar echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the American public deserves clear answers about Trump's involvement in what he terms mismanagement, which threatens both privacy and economic security.
The intervention has not gone unnoticed by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who described Musk's actions as a "five alarm fire" and a "grave threat to national security." With Musk having spent over $290 million on the 2024 election, Ocasio-Cortez challenged his aspirations for power.
"This is a plutocratic coup. If you want the power, run for office and be chosen by the people," – Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
"Short of that, this is an exercise in vigilantism," – Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Progressive lawmakers are prepared to contest these developments in court, on the House floor, and through any available means until Musk is removed from government affairs. The situation intensified when Democratic members of Congress were barred from entering USAid's Washington headquarters following an announcement by Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge).
"This is what the beginning of dictatorship looks like. When you gut the constitution and you install yourself as the sole power, that is how dictators are made." – Representative Ilhan Omar
"Donald Trump has given unprecedented power over the federal government to an unelected, unaccountable billionaire," – Representative Greg Casar