In a shocking move, President Trump agrees to shut down USAID, leaving hundreds of employees locked out and global aid programs in limbo.
At a Glance
- Over 600 USAID employees locked out of agency’s computer systems
- Elon Musk claims USAID is “beyond repair” and needs to be shut down
- Trump administration freezes foreign assistance, affecting global aid programs
- Democrats argue Trump lacks authority to shut down USAID without congressional approval
- USAID’s website disappears without explanation
Trump and Musk Join Forces to Dismantle USAID
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the international aid community, President Donald Trump has reportedly given the green light to Elon Musk’s proposal to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This decision, if implemented, would mark a seismic shift in America’s approach to global assistance and has already resulted in immediate consequences for the agency’s operations.
The first signs of trouble came when over 600 USAID employees found themselves locked out of the agency’s computer systems. Shortly after, staff received instructions to stay away from the Washington headquarters. These drastic measures followed Musk’s announcement that President Trump had agreed to his proposal to eliminate the agency entirely.
BREAKING: USAID notice instructs staffers to stay out of its headquarters after billionaire Elon Musk said President Donald Trump had agreed with him to shut the agency. https://t.co/G83x5K0K4S
— The Associated Press (@AP) February 3, 2025
Musk’s Scathing Assessment of USAID
Elon Musk, who leads the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), didn’t mince words when describing USAID’s condition. He declared the agency “beyond repair” and likened it to a “hornet’s nest,” suggesting it had become politically partisan and supportive of radical left causes.
Musk’s criticism extended to social media, where he labeled USAID a “criminal organization” in several posts on X. His concerns centered on the agency’s involvement in programs such as “comprehensive sexuality education” and global pandemic vaccine promotion, which he and other conservatives view as overstepping USAID’s mandate.
Trump Administration’s Crackdown on Federal Programs
The proposed shutdown of USAID aligns with the Trump administration’s broader efforts to downsize federal programs and reduce government spending. President Trump has stated that his administration is working to remove political radicals from USAID, reflecting a conservative push for government efficiency and alignment with traditional values.
“he agreed we should shut it down.” – Musk
The administration has already frozen foreign assistance, a move that has significantly impacted USAID’s global aid programs and led to layoffs and furloughs. The sudden disappearance of USAID’s website without explanation further underscores the administration’s determination to overhaul the agency’s operations.
Opposition and Legal Challenges
Democrat lawmakers have been quick to challenge the legality of Trump’s actions, arguing that he lacks the authority to shut down USAID without congressional approval. Senator Elizabeth Warren has voiced strong criticism, particularly regarding Musk’s access to personal information and the administration’s move to cut off government funding.
“at the direction of Agency leadership the headquarters building will be closed to Agency personnel on Monday, Feb. 3.” – USAID staffers
The controversy has also touched other government departments. Two top security chiefs at USAID were placed on leave for refusing to share classified material with Musk’s inspection teams. At the Treasury Department, Musk’s DOGE accessed sensitive information, leading to a senior official’s resignation.
The Future of U.S. International Assistance
As the situation unfolds, questions arise about the future of U.S. international assistance. Senator Joni Ernst has suggested that beneficial programs could be moved to the State Department, indicating a potential restructuring rather than a complete abandonment of aid efforts. However, the immediate impact on global responses to emergencies, climate change initiatives, and socio-economic development efforts remains uncertain.
With Secretary of State Marco Rubio yet to comment publicly on the shutdown plans, and Peter Marocco, a political appointee, involved in enforcing the closure, the international community watches closely. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this marks the end of USAID or the beginning of a new, streamlined approach to U.S. foreign assistance.
