WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released a new report detailing how the Trump Administration has seized key Congressional powers, defied federal court orders, and retaliated against critics. The report examines how the Administration’s unprecedented actions across the federal government threaten the rule of law and constitutional protections.
“This report clearly lays out President Trump’s lawlessness and campaign of intimidation as the Administration has taken unprecedented action to sidestep the Constitution,” said Senator Peters. “While the Administration continues to press the bounds of its Executive authority, refusing to follow the laws Congress has passed, the Republican Majority in Congress has failed to hold the President accountable for these actions.”
Since taking office, President Trump and his Administration have usurped key congressional powers – freezing federal funds authorized by Congress AND dismantling federal agencies created by Congress. He has also unlawfully removing Inspectors General tasked with conducting independent and nonpartisan oversight.
“Not only does the Trump Administration’s seizure of Congressional powers directly threaten foundational principles of our government, its actions carry far reaching consequences on our national security, health security, and emergency preparedness.” Senator Peters, continued, “Every year, Congress appropriates funding to ensure states and localities can proactively mitigate and effectively respond to public health threats and natural disasters – unfortunately, those efforts are now at risk.”
READ THE FULL UNDERMINING CONSTITUTIONAL LIMITS REPORT
The report details how the Administration’s actions increase national security risks. For example, the Administration has hollowed key cybersecurity agencies, leaving the country more vulnerable to threats like the China-backed Salt Typhoon hack. Additionally, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service reportedly assessed with “high confidence” that foreign adversaries were attempting to recruit recently fired federal employees online. The report also details how the Administration’s actions have harmed Americans. For example, unlawful federal funding freezes have limited cities’ abilities to track infectious diseases, such as measles. Similarly, grant cancellations by this Administration have left states unable to implement critical emergency preparedness measures that have resulted in the termination of projects to improve flood barriers and water delivery services.
The Trump Administration’s failure to comply with court orders further threatens the separation of powers embedded in our Constitution and the rule of law. More than 350 lawsuits have been filed against the Administration and in numerous lawsuits, judges appointed by presidents of both parties have ordered the Administration to halt unlawful actions that violate federal laws and our Constitution. In several instances, the Administration has failed to comply with court rulings directing the Administration to halt firings at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, halt freezes of Congressionally appropriated funds, and halt deportations of noncitizens without due process.
Reaching far beyond its Executive authorities and threatening key Constitutional rights, the Trump Administration has targeted and retaliated against those who disagree with it, attacking individuals who voice criticism, including former federal officials, those who have represented or employed individuals who expressed viewpoints adverse to it, and elected public officials of the opposing political party who exercised their constitutionally protected rights to conduct oversight. These actions threaten the foundational principles in our Constitution.
The report concludes, “the Constitution provides Congress with the means necessary to check an Administration that is eroding the very principles and institutions that make America great – but only if the majority party in Congress – currently the Republican party – is willing to act.”
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