(DCNF)—Panelists on “Morning Joe” expressed concerns Monday morning that Democrats in Congress have failed to mount a “cohesive response” to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and State Department audit of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) foreign funds, which have previously funneled millions of taxpayer funds into promoting far-left social causes abroad.
Representatives from DOGE and the State Department gained access to the USAID headquarters Friday night to review the agency’s spending in order to align it with U.S. foreign policy after a brief standoff with employees of the agency, ABC News reported. MSNBC host Ali Vitali and panelist Jonathan Lemire both questioned if “the other branch of government” would counter Elon Musk’s effort to shut down the $40 billion government agency.
“So, Ali, the question is, is the other branch of government going to do anything?” Lemire asked. “Elon Musk said over the weekend, well — I’m paraphrasing here — but more or less said, it’s easy to get work done when your opponents take the weekend off. And we have seen, first of all, a lack of cohesive response of Democrats, who seem a little slow here on most issues, but also Republicans who do have majorities, who do have the ability to say, look, actually, these programs have been in place for decades,” Lemire continued. “They’ve had bipartisan support. There are even national security reasons to keep them going. But yet so far, they seem completely muted and afraid to stand up to [President Donald] Trump and Musk. Is there any way that changes?”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the decision to shutter the agency, claiming that his concerns about its oversight began when he was in Congress and noting that the agency is “completely unresponsive” and “not functioning” as intended.
“The attitude that USAID has adopted over the years is ‘no, we are independent of the national interests, we fund programs irrespective of whether it is aligned or not aligned with the foreign policy,” Rubio told reporters while in El Salvador on Monday, adding that the agency had been “completely uncooperative” with efforts to oversee spending.
“We’re spending taxpayer money here, these are not donor dollars, these are taxpayer dollars,” Rubio added.
Responding to Lemire, Vitali said, “Yeah. I mean, we started the program talking about how when power is given, people don’t just willfully give it back. And yet we’re watching in Congress the very central power of the purse that Congress has had forever. They’re now seemingly OK, especially the majority party, with giving it over to the White House and the Trump Administration on this.”
“Look no further than the fact that Elon Musk went on X overnight, did a Spaces held court online. And with him was Senator Joni Ernst, who was effectively backing him up when he said that he wanted to get rid of USAID. She made the point that she said we want to help starving children effectively in other countries, but that they’re afraid the money is not going where it’s supposed to be going,” Vitali added.
“The way that USAID does its work is it funds non-governmental organizations that then funnel the money where it needs to go into any of the number of these countries that USAID helps,” Vitali continued. “What Joe is talking about here is the hearts and minds approach to national security. And so, yes, Democrats have been flat footed in some cases or aggressive in others in pushing back against this administration. But when you’re in the minority, it’s hard to affect change, especially if no one in the majority party is willing to cross party lines and stand with you.”
Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa said during a Sunday night discussion with Musk on X that USAID officials threatened her after she sought information on humanitarian aid to Ukraine as part of Congressional oversight. Ernst’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation about the threats.
Elon Musk on threats made by USAID to U.S. Senator Joni Ernst: “It’s outrageous that a taxpayer-funded organization would threaten a U.S. Senator who is simply trying to figure out if American taxpayer money is being spent correctly and not fraudulently”
— America (@america) February 3, 2025
“This began years ago, when we were trying to figure out what they were doing with our American taxpayer dollars that were going to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. So, I wanted to know exactly how those dollars were being spent. But we got all kinds of threats from USAID because I was trying to exercise my oversight capacity in Congress,” Ernst told Musk. In a 2023 post on X, Ernst said USAID handed billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine to the United Nations.
One of the projects frozen by Trump’s Jan. 20 executive order mandating a review of foreign aid was a $50 million grant to Gaza for condoms, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a Jan. 29 briefing.
USAID also provided funding for the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), an outlet whose reporting on former Republican Mayor Rudy Giuliani of New York City was cited by then-Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman in the whistleblower complaint that led to Trump’s first impeachment.
Republican Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona wrote USAID and three other agencies in December 2023, seeking information on funding sent to EcoHealth Alliance, which reportedly was involved in financing gain-of-function research in Wuhan, China. USAID provided at least $14 million to EcoHealth Alliance, according to Gosar.
USAID additionally spent $45 million on grants to promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) scholarships in Burma and $21 million for renewable electricity in Lebanon, the Washington Times reported.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.