Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) recently warned that President Trump’s actions to “seize control of power” are endangering democracy and causing a constitutional crisis. Murphy’s comments reflect his concerns that these efforts are unprecedented and pose a grave threat to the nation’s system of government.
During an interview on ABC’s “This Week,” Murphy compared the current situation to the Watergate scandal, calling it the most serious constitutional crisis the U.S. has faced in decades. He emphasized the danger of Trump’s intentions, alleging that they were motivated by corrupt purposes. Murphy argued that this moment in American history is a “red-alert” warning, urging the nation to recognize that democracy itself is at risk. He further suggested that the threat comes not only from Trump but also from wealthy individuals aiming to influence and control government affairs for personal gain.
Meanwhile, Trump ally and tech mogul Elon Musk has been making waves with his recent involvement in government affairs. As head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has directed his team to gather sensitive data from various federal agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management and the Treasury Department. In response, some government officials have sought to limit DOGE’s access to these systems, sparking tensions that have led to staff retirements, such as that of Treasury official David Lebryk.
Lebryk’s departure came after a dispute over DOGE’s request for access to Treasury’s payment systems, which handle the disbursement of government funds. Murphy claimed that the President’s desire to control the allocation of taxpayer money is a tactic to reward political allies and punish adversaries, which he views as a direct assault on democracy.
In contrast, former Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) criticized Democrats for their lack of preparedness in responding to Musk’s actions. He pointed out that Democrats, despite having ample time to prepare, were caught off guard by the steps taken by DOGE and its efforts to influence government operations. Kinzinger’s remarks highlight the need for Republicans to stay vigilant and ready to protect the integrity of our democratic institutions.