Republicans Step Aside as Trump Dominates Congress with a Surge of Unilateral Actions

 Trump is rapidly reshaping the federal government, pushing the limits of executive power while challenging congressional oversight.

Feb. 4, 2025, 6:22 AM GMT+6

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Trump Expands Executive Power, Targets USAID with Musk’s Help

WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump has moved aggressively to consolidate power, freezing up to hundreds of billions in federal funds and granting billionaire ally Elon Musk access to sensitive Treasury payment systems responsible for distributing trillions of dollars. Trump and his administration have also ousted agency watchdogs, top FBI officials, and federal prosecutors who played key roles in investigating the January 6 insurrection.

Now, Trump and Musk have set their sights on dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which distributes tens of billions in congressionally approved aid to foreign allies annually.

Despite Congress’ oversight responsibilities, Trump has repeatedly bypassed lawmakers to enact sweeping changes. Since his return to the White House two weeks ago—buoyed by a popular vote victory—Trump has expanded his executive authority, overriding traditional checks and balances while working to downsize the government and remove perceived disloyal figures.

A Congress in Deference

Historically, lawmakers have viewed their oversight powers and control of federal spending as central to their role in government. However, in Trump’s second term, Republican lawmakers—who now control both chambers of Congress—have largely chosen to defer to him, despite previously opposing executive overreach by Democratic presidents.

Rather than push back, many GOP leaders have embraced Trump’s unilateral moves. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) defended Trump’s actions at a recent Republican gathering, saying, “He got a mandate from the American people. He ran on restoring common sense, fiscal sanity, and making government more efficient.”

Some moderate Republicans, however, have expressed concerns. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) questioned the legality of Trump’s actions, particularly regarding USAID. But she, like many others, acknowledged a pattern where Trump issues controversial orders, only for them to be later modified or walked back.

Meanwhile, Senate Republicans have largely rubber-stamped Trump’s cabinet nominees, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Upcoming nominations—including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services Secretary and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence—are expected to spark further debate.

The Attack on USAID

On Monday, Musk announced that the government efficiency department he now oversees was “shutting down USAID.” Employees were informed they could not enter their Washington headquarters and should work remotely. Later, Trump accused USAID of “fraud” and appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio as acting administrator.

Rubio notified Congress that USAID’s foreign aid programs were under review for a potential overhaul. “People have tried to reform it for 20 or 30 years, and it refuses to cooperate,” Rubio said during a visit to El Salvador.

When asked whether Trump had the authority to dismantle USAID without congressional approval, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) avoided direct criticism, instead echoing frustrations about transparency in foreign aid spending.

Broader Power Struggles

Trump’s moves against USAID are part of a broader pattern of executive overreach. In his first week back in office, he fired 18 independent inspectors general responsible for investigating fraud and abuse in federal agencies. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said the firings likely violated laws requiring presidents to provide Congress with advance notice and justification. Still, he refrained from outright condemning Trump.

Republicans also supported Trump’s attempt to freeze all federal loans and grants—previously approved by Congress—so the administration could review whether funds were going to programs it opposed. Though a federal judge temporarily blocked the order, some forms of aid remain frozen.

Democrats Push Back

With Republicans largely backing Trump, Democrats have taken up the fight against his executive actions. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) announced plans for legislation to prevent unauthorized access to the Treasury payment system, which handles Social Security and Medicare payments.

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) threatened to block all of Trump’s State Department nominees unless USAID remains intact, calling the agency’s dismantling “illegal” and a direct violation of congressional authority. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) warned that if Trump succeeds in overriding appropriations laws, future presidents may ignore congressional spending decisions as well.

On Monday, a group of House and Senate Democrats attempted to enter USAID headquarters but were blocked from entry. Outside, they rallied in support of agency workers.

“Overhauling USAID is a matter for Congress—not an unelected billionaire oligarch like Elon Musk,” said Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), the top Democrat on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

As Trump continues to test the limits of executive power, the battle over USAID marks just the latest front in an escalating clash between the White House and those seeking to rein in his authority.

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