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Friends, there is a lot going on right now.
I know things can feel overwhelming or confusing or both – so let’s break it down.
First, some basics on the Constitution:
* The Constitution gives *Congress* the power of the purse – meaning it is Congress’s responsibility to decide how money gets spent.
* Congress is also who makes the laws.
* The role of the executive branch is to implement the laws that Congress makes.
So what is happening right now?
First, Donald Trump tried to freeze all federal funding (meaning all Congressionally appropriated spending that Congress has already voted on how to spend).
Second, Elon Musk has tried to dismantle USAID, the agency that was Congressionally created and primarily responsible for U.S. foreign assistance.
And third, Elon Musk and his private team (which is apparently made up of six young men aged 19-24 who have never worked in government before) are trying to gain access to really sensitive and critical payment systems and people’s personal information.
All together, these actions amount to an attempted coup.
This is illegal. The executive branch has to follow the laws that Congress has passed – they can’t just do whatever they want. That’s not how our government works!
So, obviously… this is bad. It’s very, very bad and very dangerous. And while Democrats don’t have as many tools available to us in the minority, we are taking action.
Here’s our four-part strategy to counter this attempted coup:
1. We’re introducing legislation to address some of these things , like stopping Elon Musk’s takeover of USAID or his team’s access to sensitive systems. This is the main action Members of Congress have the power to take, and we are absolutely doing it.


2. Lawsuits are already underway , and we’ve seen that they can be successful. Federal judges have already forced a pause on the federal funding freeze Trump tried to put in place, and blocked his executive order trying to end birthright citizenship. It’s important to note that Congress cannot itself file lawsuits – so we need to work with outside partners, like Democratic state attorneys general or impacted nonprofit organizations – to be able to use this tool.


3. Congress will do our constitutionally mandated oversight. I went with my colleagues this week to USAID HQ and the Treasury Department to see what’s happening with our own eyes, and we will keep demanding answers.


4. Lastly, we need you. Public pressure is the best tool that we have to actually push back on what Donald Trump is doing and get him to pause or reverse it. Speak out about how his actions are affecting you. Organize within your community. Bring this up with your friends.
I know things feel chaotic, especially with our 24-hour news cycle with frenzied coverage of every comment Trump makes. But please don’t tune out – we need you and your voice now more than ever before.
Thanks for reading,
Sara
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Congresswoman Sara Jacobs
California’s 51st District
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