Shutdown of USAID violates separation of powers and threatens communities

With the backing of President Trump, the recent decision by Elon Musk to unilaterally shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) sets a dangerous precedent. This move erodes the checks and balances fundamental to our democracy and undermines the constitutional separation of powers. It also disregards the legislative process and the will of the people as expressed through their elected representatives and threatens the well-being of communities that depend on federal programs.

On Tuesday evening, in direct response to this unprecedented misuse of power, the Chair of the North Carolina Black Alliance, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, joined congressional members and advocates at the U.S. Department of Treasury to seek answers on how appointee without Senate approval has gained grossly unchecked access to power. 

The U.S. Constitution clearly establishes separate functions for the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power. As legal experts have noted, Congress, not the president, has the authority to establish, change, or terminate federal agencies. 

“What we are witnessing today is Elon Musk’s attempt to cash in on what he paid for. The presidency and powers of the executive branch should never be used as political bargaining chips; however, the influence of money in politics has taken a stronghold of Musk, this president, and the party under which they operate. Everyday citizens, Republicans, Democrats and Independents should take seriously the implications of allowing anyone to purchase presidential powers,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, Chairwoman of the North Carolina Black Alliance.

Moreover, this action has immediate and severe implications for North Carolina communities and nationwide. USAID delivers vital humanitarian aid while backing development initiatives that promote worldwide stability and economic growth. The sudden termination of operations threatens international partnerships and domestic programs serving marginalized communities.

The North Carolina Black Alliance and Advance North Carolina applauds the actions of Congresswoman Foushee, Adams and others who protested on behalf of their constituents today. We call upon members of Congress to uphold their constitutional duties and challenge this blatant overreach of executive power to ensure that such unilateral actions do not undermine the democratic principles by which our nation was founded.