Lawmakers Call Out Trump Administration and Elon Musk’s Role in Funding Halt
Democrats intensified their opposition to the EPA’s spending freeze on key climate programs, calling the move illegal and a direct violation of congressional authority. The spending halt, affecting multiple initiatives under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), has sparked outrage among lawmakers who accuse the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) of attempting to dismantle environmental policies.
Protest Against the Spending Freeze
On Thursday, around 100 people gathered outside the EPA headquarters to protest the decision. Lawmakers, including Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), blasted Musk’s influence in the government.
“Nobody elected Elon Musk or his teenage hackers who are inside these buildings stealing our data and trying to fire federal employees,” Stansbury said. “They have infiltrated our government as unelected, unvetted billionaires defying our democracy.”
The controversy escalated when the EPA placed 168 employees on leave, most of whom worked on programs targeting pollution in disadvantaged communities.
Critical Climate Programs on Hold
The freeze has affected billions of dollars in funding meant for climate and infrastructure projects. Some of the affected programs include:
- $7 billion Solar for All program
- $5 billion climate pollution reduction grants
- $5 billion Clean School Bus program
Democrats insist the freeze violates the Impoundment Act of 1974, which prevents a president from withholding congressionally approved funds. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) condemned the move, calling it “contrary to court orders, existing law, and Supreme Court precedent.”
Growing Legal and Political Pressure
Despite a federal court ruling ordering the EPA to lift the freeze, Democrats say the agency has been slow to comply. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) emphasized the urgency of the issue:
“We’re here so that you will report that the EPA is in violation of the law. The American people will not stand for this.”
The battle escalated when Democratic lawmakers attempted to enter the EPA building to confront DOGE officials and newly appointed Administrator Lee Zeldin, who was in Los Angeles at the time.
Republicans Split on the Issue
While some Republicans, such as Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), expressed concern over specific programs like the Clean School Bus initiative, others defended the funding freeze. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) stated, “Even if this affects them personally, people in my state support what Trump is doing.”
Environmental and Economic Consequences
The funding halt has severe implications for climate resilience projects, including:
- $12 billion for Western drought relief projects
- $81 million for California’s water infrastructure
- Critical upgrades to Colorado River conservation efforts
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) warned of potential economic and environmental disasters, stating, “In the middle of a historic drought, this needs to be reversed immediately.”
What’s Next?
Democrats remain hopeful that federal courts will force the Trump administration to lift the freeze, but they fear lasting damage to the clean energy boom initiated under Biden’s presidency. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) warned:
“Donald Trump is pulling the plug on America’s clean energy future. This will backfire—spectacularly.”
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