Tensions erupted in Washington after the Trump administration placed two top officials at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on leave over the weekend.
The move, which came amid a shake-up at the agency, led to outrage from Democratic lawmakers, who accused President Trump of consolidating executive power.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stepped in as Acting Director of USAID following the administration’s directive.
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Staff members were instructed to vacate the agency’s headquarters overnight as part of the transition.
Addressing reporters on Monday, Rubio explained that USAID was failing to align with the administration’s foreign policy objectives.
“It’s supposed to respond to the State Department’s policies. It refuses to do so. A lot of functions of USAID will continue, but it has to be aligned with our foreign policy,” Rubio stated.
MARCO RUBIO ON USAID: It’s supposed to respond to the State Dept.’s policies. It refuses to do so. A lot of functions of USAID will continue, but it has to be aligned with our foreign policy […] I am acting director of USAID.pic.twitter.com/33lY2Goko9
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 3, 2025
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The decision prompted immediate backlash from Democrats, who claim Trump is overstepping his authority.
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) was among the most vocal critics, appearing outside USAID headquarters in Washington, D.C., where she accused Trump of acting like a dictator.
“We talked about Trump wanting to be a dictator on day one, and here we are. This is what the beginning of dictatorship looks like!” Omar shouted during a protest.
JUST IN: Rep. Ilhan Omar goes on an unhinged rant claiming that Trump is a dictator because he’s trying to save money and get rid of government corruption.
“We talked about Trump wanting to be a dictator on day one, and here we are. This is what the beginning of dictatorship… pic.twitter.com/DbBYCXNjhD
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 3, 2025
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) also condemned the administration’s actions and took direct aim at Elon Musk, who has been tied to the controversy.
“Elon Musk, you may have illegally seized power over the financial payment systems of the United States Department of Treasury, but you don’t control the money of the American people,” Raskin said.
He further insisted that USAID does not fall under Musk’s influence, stating, “Elon Musk, you didn’t create USAID. He doesn’t have the power to destroy it, and who will stop him? We are! We don’t have a fourth branch of government called Elon Musk.”
JUST IN: Democrat Rep. Jamie Raskin looks like he’s going to have a heart attack as he melts down over Elon Musk targeting USAID for burning American taxpayer dollars.
They got caught and now they’re lashing out.
“Elon Musk, you may have illegally seized power over the… pic.twitter.com/gXEABXELCM
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 3, 2025
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) joined the growing chorus of opposition, claiming that Trump’s decision to sideline USAID’s leadership was illegal before leading other Democrats and a large group of protestors ‘stormed the USAID headquarters.
Senator Chris Van Hollen (MD) and other democrat elected officials just stormed the USAID headquarters with a mob of protestors behind them.
This looks like an insurrection to me. pic.twitter.com/uP68021avc
— Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) February 3, 2025
While Democrats continue to push back, the Trump administration remains firm in its stance that USAID must operate in line with U.S. foreign policy.
The restructuring signals yet another battle between the White House and congressional Democrats as Trump moves forward with his agenda.
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