Rep. Doggett’s Statement on Trump’s Power Grab

January 28, 2025

Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) released the following statement:

“Trump said he’d be a dictator on Day One. We are now witnessing far more than one day of damning power grabs.

“He has hit our community directly with an authoritarian decree abruptly halting most all federal loans, grants, and aid impairing work at our schools and universities, community health centers, a large number of vital social service nonprofits, and local governments. As a result, I continue to receive calls of concern from a wide range of groups that have long done much good in Austin.

“Last week, Trump also halted all grants from the National Institutes of Health of which the University of Texas is a major recipient. This interferes with vital health research concerning dread diseases and potential pandemics.

“As a member of the House Budget and Ways and Means Committees, I will be at the center of pushing back on what I believe are unconstitutional moves. Like Trump’s firing of the Inspector Generals—independent watchdogs—at more than 15 cabinet-level departments and the protection of his violent January 6 criminal supporters, some of whom are already committing more crimes, this is all part of Trump reaching for authoritarian power.

“In addition to sounding the alarm, voicing our protest, and searching for any unintimidated Republican allies, we must explore litigation to stop his unconstitutional abuses, but meanwhile, many people will be hurt.”