Diogenes
Nemo me impune lacessit
Link up.
Linked.
Yes, many Democrats expressed significant anger and frustration specifically over the means Trump used—reallocating congressionally appropriated funds without legislative approval—rather than the goal of paying service members. They viewed it as an unconstitutional executive overreach that undermines Congress's "power of the purse" under Article I of the Constitution. However, there was broad bipartisan support for ensuring troops were paid, and Democrats did not oppose the end result itself. Here's a breakdown:Key Criticisms from Democrats
- Legality Concerns: Multiple Democratic lawmakers called the action "illegal" or "questionable." For instance:
- Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), a senior appropriator, stated: "But, as usual, they find the most illegal way to do everything."
- Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) said on CBS's Face the Nation: "Well, probably not [legal]. ... I think to pay the military during a shutdown would require legislation."
- Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, accused the administration of "violating the law left and right" by moving appropriated funds without authorization.
- Power Grab Fears: Experts and Democrats warned this sets a "dangerous precedent" for executive spending. A lawyer from Protect Democracy noted it "compromises the most fundamental tenet underpinning Congress’s power of the purse." Even some Republicans expressed private skepticism about the legality, though publicly they defended it.
- Threats of Action: Democrats threatened lawsuits but have not pursued them aggressively, partly because challenging it in court (e.g., proving standing under the current Supreme Court) is seen as politically risky and unlikely to succeed given public support for troop pay.

