Former GOP Congressman Slams ‘Egregious Abuse’ by Trump and Musk: ‘Beyond Anything I’ve Ever Seen’
Former Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA) ripped Elon Musk and the increasingly powerful role the billionaire is playing in the federal government.
President Donald Trump appointed Musk to lead the “Department of Government Efficiency” to ostensibly advise Trump on areas where federal spending could be reduced. Instead, Musk has been given unprecedented and possibly illegal access and oversight at several federal departments, including the Treasury, the Office of Personnel Management, and the United States Agency for International Development.
Musk seems to have a particular disdain for USAID, which he wants abolished. The Tesla’s CEO’s actions have caused confusion and chaos at the agencies.
Appearing on Monday’s edition of The Lead on CNN, a furious Dent slammed Musk.
“Shuttering USAID is an egregious abuse of executive authority – full stop,” the former lawmaker said. “Elon Musk doesn’t have the authority to shut it down. And by the way, his role, I thought, was advisory – to give the president advice.”
Dent noted the humanitarian work USAID does worldwide and said the money Congress has already appropriated to the organization must be spent:
Congress appropriated money for this agency and it’s the executive’s job to carry out that order. I mean, when Congress passes a spending bill – an appropriations bill becomes law – that’s not a suggestion. They’re not giving advice to the president. It’s a command. They’re telling him how to spend the money.
What’s happening right now in the federal government is absolutely beyond anything I’ve ever seen. We’re talking about a purge at the FBI, shuttering USAID, pardoning J6 criminals, launching a preemptive war against Canada and Mexico, Canada in the name of national security. Has anybody ever been to Normandy? The Canadian cemetery is right down the street from the American cemetery! They’re not a threat! They’re our dearest friends and allies. Reagan called them our kin… we’re insulting them. This is outrageous. But the USAID – back to this – Congress has a role to play here. They are not a bystander in this.
Dent went on to say he thinks Democrats will use the looming debt ceiling battle in March to force Republicans to spend money as Congress has authorized.
“So Republicans, I think, are under a lot of stress right now in the Congress,” he added. “There’s a lot of heartburn, and I’m just waiting for the dam to break. I think a number of them are gonna have to speak out forcefully on this rather soon.”
