• President Trump, with support from Elon Musk, is pushing to dismantle USAID, calling it wasteful and partisan, while critics warn this could harm U.S. global influence.
  • The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Musk, has clashed with USAID, escalating tensions over access to sensitive information and classified materials.
  • USAID’s defenders argue the agency is vital for U.S. national security and diplomacy, while supporters of its shutdown claim it’s an overdue move to cut inefficiencies and refocus on domestic priorities.

President Donald Trump, with backing from tech mogul Elon Musk, has set his sights on dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), calling it a wasteful and corrupt organization. This bold move comes after weeks of tension surrounding the agency’s funding freeze, staff suspensions, and allegations of partisan behavior. The future of America’s largest humanitarian aid agency, responsible for billions in global development programs, now hangs in the balance.

USAID Faces Trump’s Executive Order

Shortly after being sworn in, Trump issued an executive order pausing all foreign aid for 90 days. This directive, aimed at re-evaluating U.S. spending abroad, has already caused widespread layoffs and program disruptions across USAID. Over 60 senior staff members were placed on administrative leave, accused of attempting to override the order. Critics argue this is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to restructure or even eliminate the agency entirely.

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Musk, who co-hosted an X Spaces conversation early Monday with Republican Senator Joni Ernst and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, doubled down on USAID criticisms. “It’s not just an apple with a worm in it,” Musk declared. “It’s a ball of worms.” He accused the agency of supporting “radically left causes” and argued it is “beyond repair.”

Tensions Escalate: USAID Staff Versus DOGE Officials

The conflict intensified over the weekend when personnel from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a Musk-led office created to oversee government spending—attempted to physically access USAID headquarters in Washington, D.C. According to multiple sources, DOGE staff demanded entry to security systems, personnel files, and classified information. Despite initial pushback from USAID security staff, DOGE officials eventually gained access.

Katie Miller, a Trump appointee to DOGE, later confirmed on X that no unauthorized classified materials were accessed. However, a letter from Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democrats expressed grave concerns. They requested an immediate investigation into the incident, highlighting the potential risk to sensitive information and national security.

Why Trump and Musk Want USAID Gone

At the heart of the controversy is the belief that USAID, established in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy, has become a highly partisan entity serving left-wing agendas. Musk described the agency as a “criminal organization” on X, declaring, “Time for it to die.” Similarly, Trump told reporters on Sunday that the agency is run by “radical lunatics,” suggesting it’s time to clean house and reassess its role in U.S. foreign policy.

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The agency’s defenders argue otherwise. USAID is a key pillar of America’s “three D” approach to national security: defense, diplomacy, and development. They claim its efforts to alleviate global poverty, respond to disasters, and promote democracy are crucial tools of U.S. soft power. Shutting it down, they warn, would cripple America’s ability to foster goodwill and influence abroad.

What’s at Stake for U.S. Foreign Policy?

If USAID is dismantled or merged into the State Department, critics fear significant damage to America’s global reputation. Development experts say the State Department lacks the expertise and capacity to manage the agency’s vast portfolio of programs. A former senior USAID official warned that losing the agency would be like “punching with one arm behind our back.”

Supporters of Trump’s plan, however, argue this overhaul is long overdue. They believe taxpayer dollars are being wasted on bloated bureaucracies and programs that fail to serve U.S. interests. By cutting spending and eliminating inefficiencies, they say, the administration can refocus on domestic priorities.

USAID Website Goes Dark

In a dramatic twist, USAID’s website and social media accounts went offline Saturday, replaced by a placeholder page on the State Department’s site. Sources revealed that USAID’s entire public affairs team was placed on leave and locked out of their systems, further fueling speculation about the agency’s future.

Is Trump’s move to shut down USAID the bold action America needs to cut wasteful spending, or will it harm U.S. global influence? We want to hear from you.

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