Constitutional Crisis and the Role of the Judiciary

Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota appeared on Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan on February 9, 2025, to discuss a range of pressing issues, including the ongoing constitutional crisis and the role of the judiciary in addressing it. Rep. Omar emphasized that the United States is facing a critical moment where the executive branch is disregarding the Constitution, particularly in its attempts to bypass Congress and unilaterally alter the structure and funding of federal agencies. She pointed out that Congress, through its constitutional authority, creates agencies and allocates funds, but the current executive branch is ignoring these checks and balances. As a result, the judiciary has become the last line of defense for upholding the rule of law.

Rep. Omar highlighted that every executive order challenged in court has been deemed illegal, demonstrating the effectiveness of the judicial system in halting overreaches of power. She expressed faith in the courts as a vital check on the executive branch, noting that even Trump-appointed judges have ruled against these orders. However, she criticized the congressional leadership for failing to hold the executive branch accountable, leaving the judiciary as the only recourse to address the constitutional crisis.

A Personal Connection to USAID and Its Importance

Rep. Omar shared a deeply personal perspective on the significance of USAID, recalling her own experiences living in a refugee camp for four years. She credited USAID with helping to keep her alive during that time, emphasizing the lifesaving role of such agencies. Her remarks came as a federal judge was set to consider the fate of government workers affected by the executive branch’s actions. Rep. Omar stressed that agencies like USAID are not just bureaucratic entities but vital institutions that have a tangible impact on people’s lives, both domestically and internationally.

She also addressed the broader implications of dismantling such agencies, noting that while the executive branch may attempt to bypass Congress, the votes to dismantle agencies like USAID or the Department of Education do not exist in Congress. This, she argued, is why the administration is resorting to illegal tactics to advance its agenda. Rep. Omar expressed confidence that the courts would continue to uphold the law and prevent such overreach, ensuring that the critical work of agencies like USAID can continue.

The Judiciary as a Check on Executive Power

Rep. Omar reiterated her belief in the judiciary as a reliable and necessary check on executive power. She noted that the courts have consistently ruled against the legality of executive orders, demonstrating the enduring strength of the U.S. legal system. Even Republican-appointed judges, she observed, have recognized the illegality of the administration’s actions, further underscoring the impartiality of the judiciary. While some court cases are still ongoing, the consistent rulings against the executive branch provide hope that the rule of law will prevail.

However, Rep. Omar also acknowledged the challenges faced by Democrats in pushing back against these actions within Congress. She noted that the Republican majority in Congress lacks the political will to dismantle agencies like USAID outright, which is why the administration is attempting to circumvent the legislative process. This, she argued, is a clear indication of the constitutional crisis at hand, where the executive branch is acting without accountability or regard for the separation of powers.

The Challenge of Selling Foreign Aid to the American People

Margaret Brennan raised the issue of foreign aid and its declining popularity among the American public. Rep. Omar acknowledged that foreign aid has historically been a tough sell for many Americans, often due to a lack of understanding about its purpose and impact. She explained that when people hear about foreign aid, they often envision large sums of money being spent without a clear sense of how it benefits the United States or improves lives around the world. This disconnect, she argued, is a result of insufficient public education about the role of foreign aid in advancing U.S. interests, fostering global stability, and promoting soft power.

Rep. Omar emphasized that foreign aid is a small fraction of the federal budget but plays a crucial role in maintaining U.S. competitiveness on the global stage. She also highlighted the humanitarian aspect of foreign aid, noting that it often goes toward lifesaving programs that prevent poverty, hunger, and disease. However, she acknowledged that convincing the public of its value remains a significant challenge, especially as many individuals associate foreign aid with military assistance rather than humanitarian efforts. Rep. Omar called for a more nuanced and transparent conversation about foreign aid to address these misconceptions and build support for its continued importance in U.S. foreign policy.

A Dangerous and Divisive Rhetoric on Gaza

The conversation also turned to remarks made by President Trump earlier in the week, in which he suggested that the U.S. would take over the Gaza Strip and permanently remove Palestinians from the region. Rep. Omar was unequivocal in her condemnation of these comments, describing them as "plain out ethnic cleansing and genocide." She emphasized that the Palestinian people have a right to remain in their homeland and that there is no international support for such a draconian and unjust proposal.

Rep. Omar also criticized the broader rhetoric surrounding Gaza, noting that it reflects a dangerous and dehumanizing attitude toward the Palestinian people. She argued that such statements only serve to inflame tensions and undermine efforts to achieve peace in the region. While the president’s remarks were met with surprise and alarm, Rep. Omar made it clear that they are part of a larger pattern of divisive and inflammatory rhetoric that must be forcefully opposed by leaders around the world.

Upholding Democracy and the Rule of Law

In closing, Rep. Omar reiterated her commitment to upholding democracy and the rule of law in the face of unprecedented challenges. She expressed hope that the judiciary would continue to serve as a bulwark against executive overreach, ensuring that the constitutional framework of the United States remains intact. At the same time, she called on congressional leaders to step up and fulfill their constitutional responsibilities, rather than allowing the executive branch to act with impunity.

Rep. Omar also emphasized the importance of moral leadership in addressing the crises facing the nation. She urged policymakers to prioritize humanity and compassion, particularly in issues related to foreign aid and the treatment of vulnerable populations like refugees. By doing so, she argued, the United States can reclaim its role as a beacon of hope and freedom on the global stage. Ultimately, Rep. Omar’s message was one of resilience and optimism, calling on Americans to remain vigilant in defending their democracy and demanding accountability from their leaders.