Demonstrators expressing doubt are told by Democratic representatives in Congress that they will work to prevent President Trump from abolishing the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Protestors Rally Against Trump's USAID Elimination Plan
On Wednesday, a large gathering of protestors congregated near the Capitol in objection to President Donald Trump's efforts to eliminate the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The demonstration came as Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., asserted that Trump's plan is to replace hardworking federal employees with political cronies.
Among the protesters was Ollie Davidson, a former USAID employee who spent 23 years with the agency. Davidson worked on 320 federally declared disasters internationally, saving thousands of lives by sending aid. He also worked at the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance, assisting companies like AT&T, IBM, and American Airlines with disaster recovery.
However, Davidson's tenure with USAID was cut short on two occasions. In 1969, he resigned after President Nixon bombed Cambodia. More recently, he had to leave his post in Ghana due to his wife's medical issue. A USAID contractor, who prefers to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, has also been affected by the 90-day pause and review of foreign aid, leaving them without an income.
Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., voiced concern that if Trump can close USAID, he could potentially close down other federal programs, including Social Security. Democrats have warned that Trump, with the assistance of billionaire Elon Musk, may attempt to close other federal programs.
The protestor who was a former USAID employee could not be identified in the available search results. Some protestors seemed disillusioned about Democrats' ability to effectively protect USAID.
Democrats see the March 14 deadline on federal funding as an opportunity to demand reversals of Trump's actions against the federal workforce and agencies. Congressional Democrats expressed optimism that courts would block Trump from unilaterally shuttering USAID.
During the protest, a participant, while Rep. Lois Frankel, D-Fla., was discussing the relatively low costs needed to prevent starvation, yelled back: "We know this! We do this for a living!" The protest on Wednesday had a larger turnout than expected.
Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., also stated that if Trump can close USAID, he can close down Social Security. This comment was met with concern by many protestors, as they fear for the future of essential federal programmes.
The protestors' voices were heard loud and clear, demonstrating their commitment to preserving the USAID and the vital work it does in providing aid to those in need around the world.
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