Stanton asks constituents to engage against Trump's 'movement towards authoritarianism'

Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton says his constituents need to help stop the Trump administration from violating constitutional checks and balances.

Democrats in Congress announced the formation of a new “rapid response” task force this week. It’s designed to combat any harmful actions taken by the executive branch.

On Tuesday, Stanton held a virtual town hall with 13,000 people and urged his supporters to speak out.

“When I say I am very concerned about this movement towards authoritarianism, when I say that I am concerned about backsliding on our constitutional democracy – I don't say that lightly,” he said.

Stanton said he’s heard from an overwhelming number of constituents who are alarmed by President Donald Trump and the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse of Colorado was appointed to lead the task force and joined Stanton in the town hall.

“This will require each and every one of us in this moment to step up and to speak very cogently and clearly,” Neguse told listeners.

Stanton said the executive branch is overreaching when it unilaterally cuts programs that were voted on by Congress and signed by the president.

Stanton also said he’s concerned that the Trump administration may disregard court orders, based on comments by Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and Musk.