KALAMAZOO, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — The Chair of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners said people must respond to what she described as a “coup” within the federal government, calling out individuals making changes she believes are unconstitutional.

During the board’s February 4 meeting, Chair Jen Strebs specifically accused tech billionaire Elon Musk of influencing federal programs without proper legislative processes. 

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“They are permitting an unelected billionaire, Elon Musk, whose investment of $290 million in Trump and other Republican candidates in the 2024 election apparently has bought him freedom to run the government,” Strebs said. “There’s one way that you could define that in political speech, and that is a coup.”

Strebs emphasized the importance of public engagement to protect democratic institutions. “The government is under threat and the Constitution is under threat,” she said. “If behavior outside of the bounds of the Constitution continues, we are obligated to be involved, invested, and respond to that.”

She encouraged Kalamazoo residents to contact their federal representatives and express their concerns. Strebs provided contact information for U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Holland), Sen. Alyssa Slotkin (D-Lansing), and Sen. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township). 

“Democracy isn’t just about voting in an election every now and then. Democracy is a day-to-day exercise that we have to be engaged in,” Strebs said.

Strebs also reaffirmed the county’s support for certain “members of the community who have felt threatened and frightened since the election.”

“Members of our trans community, we see you. You are valued. You are loved and cherished as humans in our community,” Strebs said, extending similar support to immigrant communities and others feeling pressure under the current administration.