[Interview with Congressman Dave Min]
“The abnormal is unfolding as if it were normal.”
Freshman Congressman Dave Min (CA-47) did not hold back his words during an interview with the Korea Daily, following his swearing-in ceremony last month on January 3.
Now 40 days into his tenure, Min acknowledged the chaos brought on by President Donald Trump’s executive orders and subsequent court challenges, stating that even as a freshman lawmaker, he finds the situation bewildering.
Min emphasized that his top priority is to fight against the administration’s unjust policies and protect the interests of minority communities, including Korean Americans.
“It is absurd that the President Trump and Elon Musk are creating an unsubstantiated department to dismantle the Department of Education and cut programs designed for minority communities. The budget and guidelines that Congress agreed upon last year are now on the verge of being scrapped.”
He was referring to the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).”
Rep. Min specifically raised concerns about the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, warning that this will have negative repercussions for the Korean American community.
“Health-related support funds for Asian Americans are being completely cut, and programs for seniors are being reduced or outright eliminated. Korean Americans must stay vigilant and cautious about these changes.”
Min expressed deep concern that there is no longer room for discussion and debate within Congress.
“Even though it’s still early in the term, Republican lawmakers are too afraid to challenge Trump in any way.”
Despite this, Rep. Min voted in favor of the Republican-led ‘Laken Riley Act’, which aims to facilitate the arrest and detention of undocumented immigrants accused of violent crimes and theft—a stance that contrasts with the broader Democratic position.
However, he explained that his decision was made with the safety of his constituents as the top priority.
“I received numerous protest emails from voters who opposed my vote. While I do not support every aspect of the bill, it aligns with the promises I made to my constituents during the election—to take strong measures against crime. I hope that some provisions can be revised before it is enforced.”
Rep. Min also addressed his recent public feud with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in which he called her a “fake Christian.”
“I’ve been asked about this a lot, and let me clarify—I am a Christian who attends church every week.”
He accused Leavitt of continuing to spread falsehoods while disregarding the real harm caused by the federal funding freeze.
“She is using a cross as a shield to justify her excuses, deceptions, and lies, which completely contradicts the teachings of Jesus.”
Rep. Min was also firm on his stance regarding immigration enforcement.
“I do not want my state tax dollars being used to fund Trump’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants.”
He argued that local police should focus on protecting the community rather than being used to enforce an extreme federal immigration policy.
BY BRIAN CHOI [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
