WASHINGTON, Feb 2 – Elon Musk has stated that President Donald Trump supports shutting down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This announcement follows recent turmoil within the agency, including funding freezes and the suspension of multiple employees.
During a live discussion on X Spaces early Monday, Musk stated, “I thoroughly discussed the USAID matter with Trump, and he concurred that shutting it down is the right course of action.” Musk further emphasized that he had double-checked with Trump on multiple occasions, and each time, Trump confirmed his position on dismantling the agency.
Trump Criticizes USAID Operations
Trump, when approached for a comment on USAID, stated that the agency had been managed by “radical lunatics” and indicated that those responsible were being removed. He also suggested that a final decision on the agency’s future would be made soon.
Musk’s remarks have stirred controversy, particularly as they coincide with USAID’s recent internal upheaval. Over the weekend, two high-ranking security officials at the agency were placed on administrative leave after allegedly refusing to grant access to personnel from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The DOGE members had reportedly demanded entry into the agency’s systems, even going as far as threatening to involve law enforcement.
Additionally, around 60 senior USAID employees were put on leave last week, accused of working against an executive order issued by Trump that temporarily froze foreign aid programs for 90 days. Another senior official was reportedly removed for attempting to challenge this suspension.
Musk Calls USAID Politically Partisan
During the X Spaces conversation, which included Republican Senator Joni Ernst and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, Musk strongly criticized USAID. He described it as “incredibly partisan” and accused the agency of funding “radical left-wing causes across the world, including initiatives that work against American interests.”
Declaring the agency as beyond repair, Musk compared it to a hopelessly corrupt entity, stating, “This isn’t just an apple with a worm in it; it’s a ball of worms.” He reiterated his belief that USAID should be completely shut down rather than reformed.
The Role of USAID in U.S. Foreign Policy
Founded in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy’s administration, USAID has played a significant role in U.S. foreign policy for decades. The agency is responsible for distributing billions of dollars annually for humanitarian aid, economic development, and democracy-building initiatives worldwide.
USAID is widely considered a critical component of the U.S. government’s diplomatic and development strategy. Officials highlight that national security is based on three pillars: defense, diplomacy, and development. While the Defense Department and the State Department handle the first two, USAID has traditionally led the development efforts.
DOGE Personnel Gain Access to USAID Files
According to sources familiar with the situation, members of DOGE initially attempted to enter USAID headquarters in Washington, D.C., but were blocked from access. The DOGE personnel allegedly insisted on gaining entry, even threatening to bring in U.S. Marshals if they were denied access.
Reports indicate that the DOGE team was primarily seeking access to the agency’s security systems and personnel records. Some sources suggest they also attempted to review classified information, which is typically restricted to individuals with the necessary security clearances and a demonstrated need to know.
Eventually, DOGE personnel were able to enter the agency’s headquarters. This development has raised serious concerns among government officials and lawmakers about the potential exposure of sensitive or classified material.
Lawmakers Demand Answers
In response to these events, Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have formally requested an update on the situation. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, they inquired about how DOGE personnel were granted access and whether they had the necessary authorization.
Lawmakers have also raised alarms over the handling of classified information, emphasizing that any decision regarding USAID’s future must involve congressional approval. They cautioned against any move to merge the agency with the State Department without proper legislative oversight.
Katie Miller, a key member of DOGE, later responded to concerns about classified information access. She stated that “no classified material was accessed without proper security clearances.”
Musk and Trump Administration Intensify Attacks on USAID
Musk did not hold back in his criticism, calling USAID a “criminal organization” in a post on X. “Time for it to die,” he wrote.
Other Trump officials, including senior adviser Stephen Miller, have also expressed hostility toward USAID, accusing it of being dominated by Democratic operatives.
Amid the growing controversy, USAID’s official website was taken offline, and its X account also disappeared. A source indicated that the agency’s entire public affairs team had been placed on leave and locked out of their systems.
Foreign Aid Suspended Under Executive Order
Shortly after returning to office, Trump signed an executive order suspending all foreign aid for 90 days. This decision has led to widespread disruptions, layoffs, and halted projects.
Critics argue that dismantling USAID would have far-reaching negative consequences, as the State Department may not be equipped to take over its vast portfolio of development initiatives. Some officials warn that removing USAID would significantly weaken U.S. influence abroad and limit diplomatic engagement.
A former senior USAID official, speaking anonymously, voiced concerns over the potential loss of expertise in humanitarian aid and development. “The State Department doesn’t have the capacity or the training to handle USAID’s work. It’s an entirely different operation,” they said.
According to this former official, USAID personnel have a unique understanding of conditions on the ground in foreign nations. “Eliminating USAID means losing an incredibly valuable tool of U.S. foreign policy. We’ll be left navigating international relations with one hand tied behind our back,” they warned.
As tensions continue to rise, the fate of USAID remains uncertain. While Trump and Musk appear committed to shutting it down, lawmakers and foreign policy experts are pushing back, arguing that such a decision could have lasting repercussions for America’s role in global development and diplomacy.