Dear john,

For the last 19 days, my colleagues and I have fought for the dignity of the Constitution amid Trump’s assault on it. This extremist executive branch is attempting to undermine our most sacred processes and the federal government itself. 

 

Illegal executive orders—including freezing funds already approved by Congress, attempting to end birthright citizenship, offering federal workers who aren’t absolutely loyal to Trump buyouts, and more—have dominated our news and social media feeds.

 

The president's disregard for the law and blatant unconstitutional actions have left many across the country wondering, “What can be done?”

 

In the Fighting Fifth, we fight for what is right. Here’s a glimpse of my past week:

 

MONDAY:

I joined my Congressional colleagues at the Department of the Treasury after reports surfaced that Elon Musk had illegally accessed the private data of millions of Americans. Congress has the power of the purse, and an invasion of the Treasury will not change that.

 

TUESDAY:

Even with the federal funding pause blocked by a federal judge, the Trump administration, along with unelected billionaire Musk and DOGE, attacked USAID in an attempt to shut it down. I signed a letter with colleagues to Secretary of State Rubio, calling for the protection of USAID. The agency is essential for our national security, its humanitarian efforts assist thousands across the world, and it can ONLY be disbanded by an act of Congress.

 

WEDNESDAY:

We saw the power of our voices against this administration as a judge cemented the block on Trump's executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship. If you are born in America, you’re American. An executive order cannot change the Constitution, and we reminded Trump of that fact.

THURSDAY:

Democrats introduced the Taxpayer Data Protection Act, legislation that will prevent individuals with conflicts of interest or without a security clearance from accessing the highly sensitive Treasury Department payment system—which is responsible for Social Security and Medicare benefits.

 

That evening, I joined FOX 5 to ring the alarm on the illegal visit DOGE made to the CDC, a crucial health institution in the heart of the Fighting Fifth. DOGE has no authority to be anywhere near the CDC. My office received numerous calls from employees scared for their jobs, their careers, and their safety. They are not political actors, they are civil servants and I am fighting to protect them.

 

FRIDAY:

Friday morning, I stood with my Democratic Women’s Caucus colleagues to push back against Trump and Musk’s attack on women and families.

 

I stood resolute in my beliefs as I told listeners, “The power to make decisions about our health, our bodies, and our futures must be OURS and ours alone—without the interference of politicians or unelected billionaires.”

 

I've heard your calls and I share your outrage over the actions of Donald Trump and the unelected president of the United States, Elon Musk. Every week will be a fight, and you can bet I'll keep fighting.

 

Yours for the People,

Nikema Williams

Member of Congress