Garamendi Statement on Trump and Musk Plans to Dismantle USAID
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-08) issued the following statement following President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's plans to dissolve the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID):
“During our years of service, my wife Patti and I have witnessed the heartbreaking sight of children suffering from hunger and preventable diseases. Anyone who has witnessed this suffering like us has an indelible mark on their hearts that lasts forever. Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s illegal and unconstitutional move to dissolve the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) demonstrates that they care only about their own power and that they lack the humanity to understand the people they will impact.
This agency has been a cornerstone of American humanitarian efforts, whether it’s delivering life-saving HIV/AIDS medical treatments via PEPFAR, distributing food to those enduring starvation, or assisting those battling infectious diseases in war-torn regions. USAID represents the best of who we are as a people—offering hope, saving lives, and fostering a world where freedom, peace, and prosperity can flourish.
It is particularly painful to witness Trump and Musk’s efforts to undermine these vital services for the most vulnerable. When funds are redirected away from these crucial efforts to give tax breaks to Trump’s billionaire friends, it’s the mostly innocent children, who pay the price.
Elon Musk did not create USAID; Congress did. He has no right to USAID’s information, let alone to dissolve it. If you want to dismantle a government agency, you must go through the People's House. It is imperative that any changes to government agencies be done with full accountability to the American people. These decisions should prioritize humanity, not the business interests of billionaires. I urge my colleagues across the aisle to uphold the Constitution and the values that have made America a beacon of hope for the world. Foreign assistance isn’t just a policy, it’s a moral responsibility. A safer, more compassionate world makes us all safer, and together we must ensure that vital assistance reaches those who need it the most.”
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