SE Kansas City News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a U.S. Congressman representing Missouri's 5th district since 2005, has expressed his concerns on social media regarding recent political actions by Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump. Cleaver, who joined Congress after replacing Karen McCarthy, voiced his opinions through a series of tweets addressing issues related to consumer protection and federal investments in medical research.

On February 11, 2025, Rep. Cleaver highlighted the importance of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), describing it as "an important shield for hardworking families across the country." He criticized efforts by Elon Musk and President Trump to dismantle the agency that he claims has returned $21 billion to consumers. "The CFPB is an important shield for hardworking families across the country, protecting Americans from predatory financial schemes and holding scammers accountable."

Later that day, Cleaver addressed attempts by Trump and Musk to reduce federal investments in medical research in favor of tax breaks for billionaires. He expressed gratitude towards a federal judge for blocking what he described as their "illegal scheme" and assured that Democrats would continue opposing such actions. "While President Trump and Elon Musk try to gut federal investments in medical research to fund another tax break for their billionaire buddies, I’m thankful a federal judge is blocking their illegal scheme."

In another tweet posted at the same time, Cleaver referenced his participation with other House Democrats in condemning what they see as an attack on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by the Trump Administration. The NIH plays a crucial role in researching diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. "#ICYMI, I joined 88 @HouseDemocrats last week in condemning the Trump Administration’s attack on the National Institutes of Health."