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Trump USAID Restructuring, Under the State Department – American Faith

Elected Democrats in Congress are voicing strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s decision to move USAID under the authority of the State Department, now led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The decision has sparked controversy, with Rep. Ilhan Omar claiming it undermines congressional power and shifts too much control to the executive branch.

Speaking to constituents, Omar argued that Trump was consolidating power unfairly, stating, “It is us taxpayers that are being ripped off,” pointing to layoffs and early retirements at USAID. She emphasized the importance of USAID programs, recalling her own experiences in a refugee camp in Somalia where USAID resources helped keep her family safe. Omar warned that shifting USAID’s focus away from humanitarian efforts toward military-driven interactions could harm the United States’ global reputation.

The restructuring led to 60 USAID staffers being placed on administrative leave, a move Acting USAID Administrator Jason Gray justified by citing efforts to prevent bureaucrats from circumventing executive orders and national policy.

Rep. Jamie Raskin also criticized the decision and took aim at Elon Musk, whose DOGE office reportedly uncovered excessive waste in USAID’s budget. Raskin argued that Congress, not Musk or the executive branch, controls government funds, invoking Article 1 of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Rep. Brian Mast and Secretary Rubio defended the changes, citing a need to align USAID’s expenditures with U.S. national interests. Rubio, speaking from El Salvador, described USAID as historically “unresponsive” and accused the agency of acting like a global charity rather than adhering to State Department directives.

The policy shift reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce what it sees as wasteful spending and increase oversight of foreign aid distribution.

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