Musk and Flynn’s Attack on Lutheran Social Services: How the Coup Will Undermine Community Care

I don't know if facts matter much anymore but I guess I'll still just share some basic facts. When Musk and Flynn begin targeting Lutheran Social Service and Catholic Charities, labeling the payouts in the federal government as "illegal," this is just crazy talk, but crazy talk with consequences.

First of all it's crazy because the government also pays billions to Musk's own companies. Why aren’t there screen shots of those payments labeling them “illegal?”

But it's also crazy because these are either grants awarded to non-profits based on a competitive application process, grants first funded by the government in its budgeting process; or it's replacement designee funding where the federal government said, "We want these basic services to be provided but we are contracting with your organization (because you have a track record of providing social services well) to do the work, or make the disbursements."

This kind of rhetoric isn't just absurd; it’s dangerous. It feeds into a broader trend of demonizing institutions that have long provided essential services, especially to marginalized communities. The hypocrisy is blatant—Musk benefits massively from government contracts and subsidies, yet he and Flynn attack social service organizations that operate under the same basic funding principles.

These funds aren't some kind of "secret handout"—they're either competitively awarded grants or designated contracts to ensure critical services are delivered. The government has always partnered with non-profits to extend its social safety net. This isn't new, and it's certainly not illegal.

But the consequences of this kind of disinformation are real—eroding trust in essential institutions, justifying funding cuts, and ultimately harming the people who rely on these services the most.

I’m worried it won’t matter much unless strong counter-forces by the minority party and the courts push back strongly against the clearly illegal moves of Musk and Trump this weekend, but here’s a fact-based pushback detailing what Lutheran Social Services (LSS) does and why public-private partnerships like these are essential to community care:

Lutheran Social Services: A Lifeline for Communities

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) (https://lutheranservices.org) is a network of nonprofit organizations operating across the United States, providing essential social services to individuals and families in need. LSS agencies operate independently in different states but share a commitment to serving vulnerable populations regardless of religious affiliation. Their work includes:

Refugee Resettlement & Immigration Services – Many LSS organizations are key partners in resettling refugees, assisting with housing, employment, and integration services. They work under federal programs like the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, ensuring that refugees receive the support they need to become self-sufficient. The Lutheran part recently rebranded as Global Refuge.

Disaster Response & Housing Assistance – LSS provides emergency relief and long-term recovery services following natural disasters. They also operate affordable housing programs for low-income individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Child Welfare & Adoption Services – LSS agencies provide foster care placement, adoption services, and family counseling to ensure that children in difficult circumstances receive stable, loving homes.

Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Services – Many LSS agencies operate counseling centers, addiction treatment programs, and crisis intervention services, filling critical gaps in mental health care.

Food Assistance & Community Support – LSS organizations run food pantries, meal programs, and nutrition assistance efforts to fight food insecurity in local communities.

Public-Private Partnerships: A Necessary Collaboration

The claim that government grants or contracts with organizations like LSS are “illegal” is not just misleading—it’s a deliberate misrepresentation of how public-private partnerships function in the U.S.

Competitive Grant Process – Many government-funded programs are awarded through a rigorous, competitive grant process where non-profits must demonstrate effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability.

Federal and State Contracting – Governments have long relied on non-profits to administer social services efficiently. These contracts allow organizations with expertise and community trust to carry out federally mandated programs without requiring the government to directly manage every aspect of service delivery.

A Proven Model – Public-private partnerships allow faith-based but non-proselytizing organizations like LSS and Catholic Charities to leverage private donations, volunteer networks, and local expertise, making government dollars stretch further and serve more people effectively.

The Hypocrisy of the Attacks

Elon Musk's companies—including Tesla, SpaceX, and The Boring Company—have received billions in government subsidies, tax breaks, and contracts. If federal funding of LSS is “illegal,” then so are the billions funneled into private corporations through tax incentives, defense contracts, and technology investments. The real issue here isn’t legality—it’s an attack on the very idea that society should provide care for the most vulnerable.

LSS and similar organizations exist precisely because communities need them. Cutting off their funding wouldn’t eliminate the need for food, housing, or resettlement services—it would simply make it harder for people to get help. The alternative is an overwhelmed and inefficient government bureaucracy, or worse, leaving people to fend for themselves.

These attacks aren’t just reckless rhetoric; they undermine the social fabric that makes communities stronger. If the goal is a healthy, self-sufficient society, then supporting organizations like LSS is not just smart policy—it’s essential.