Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democratic congresswoman from Minnesota, has openly criticized the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to overhaul federal agencies and programs, calling their actions both illegal and lacking proper congressional support. Speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation, Omar argued that many of the administration’s sweeping moves have bypassed Congress, creating what she describes as a “constitutional crisis.”
Omar: Trump’s Agenda Lacks Congressional Support
Omar pointed out that Republicans have been unable to push key parts of Trump’s restructuring plan through Congress, stating, “Every single process that they are going through in implementing Trump’s agenda is, at the moment, illegal.” She explained that Republicans, despite controlling both the House and Senate, have not been able to gather enough votes to support controversial changes, such as granting Elon Musk’s team access to Treasury Department data or dismantling the Department of Education.
The administration’s recent restructuring efforts have caused widespread confusion, including its temporary suspension of U.S. foreign assistance programs funded by USAID and the State Department. Last week, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from placing 2,200 USAID employees on administrative leave, a move that Omar praised as evidence of the judicial system working as intended.
Omar Defends USAID’s Role
Omar, who was born in Somalia and personally benefited from USAID programs while living in a refugee camp, emphasized that the agency enjoys bipartisan support. “It’s not just Democrats who support USAID, but Republicans too,” she said, adding that the votes simply aren’t there in Congress to dismantle it.
She also acknowledged that foreign aid hasn’t always been popular among Americans, attributing this to a “messaging problem”. According to Omar, many Americans don’t fully understand how U.S. foreign aid “touches lives” and strengthens America’s global influence. “It’s about soft power, goodwill, and keeping us competitive around the world,” she said.
Judicial Branch as the Only Check on Trump’s Overhaul
Omar argued that the judiciary is currently the only effective check on Trump’s sweeping actions. “The only recourse we have is through the courts,” she said, noting that judges—including those appointed by Republican presidents—have stepped in to block many of Trump’s initiatives.
“Our courts are working as they should,” she added, urging Americans to have faith in the checks and balances built into the system. However, she warned that Congress’s failure to hold the executive branch accountable is harming the American people.
Republicans Push Back on USAID’s Role
Rep. Michael McCaul, a Republican from Texas, also appeared on Face the Nation and expressed support for a review of USAID. He acknowledged that while the agency plays an important role in stabilizing vulnerable regions, it needs to “get back to the core mission.” McCaul stressed that a strong U.S. presence in destabilized nations is crucial to keeping out adversaries such as Russia and China.
Sen. Bill Hagerty, a close ally of President Trump, took a firmer stance, calling for the consolidation or dismantling of USAID. He argued that the agency has been “out of control” and that its programs should be more closely aligned with U.S. national security interests.
“There’s a tremendous appetite to take a hard look at USAID,” Hagerty said, defending the administration’s proposed buyouts for federal workers, which a judge temporarily halted last week. He argued that reviewing programs for efficiency is standard and part of delivering better value to taxpayers.
Elon Musk’s Role in Federal Overhaul
One major point of contention has been the involvement of Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as part of Trump’s initiative to streamline federal agencies. Hagerty defended Musk’s role, stating that his team is tasked with finding ways to reduce administrative overhead and redirect more taxpayer money toward core programs.
“People are clutching their pearls over Musk’s activities, but the goal here is to deliver more taxpayer dollars to actual programs and reduce waste,” Hagerty said.
Omar: Congress Must Reassert Its Role
Omar warned that without congressional action, the executive branch could continue bypassing established procedures. “The executive is behaving in a way that undermines the Constitution, and Congress is failing to stand up for its role,” she said. She called on congressional leaders to push back against Trump’s attempts to centralize power and dismantle key government functions without proper oversight.
