The Trump administration and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk are moving forward with plans to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), one of the largest humanitarian aid organizations in the world.
Musk, who has been working with the administration through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), announced the decision during a live session on X Spaces (formerly Twitter Spaces) early Monday.
Musk’s Role in the Shutdown
Elon Musk, speaking during the live session, revealed that he had discussed the future of USAID with President Trump, and the two had agreed on its closure. Musk did not hold back in his criticism of the agency, describing it as “beyond repair.”
“It’s not an apple with a worm in it,” Musk said. “What we have is just a ball of worms. You’ve got to basically get rid of the whole thing. It’s beyond repair.”
His comments came after the suspension of two top USAID security chiefs—Director of Security John Vorhees and Deputy Director Brian McGill—over their refusal to grant access to classified materials.
Classified Information Controversy
The shutdown has sparked controversy after Musk’s DOGE team gained access to classified materials at USAID headquarters, despite lacking proper security clearance.
The Associated Press (AP) reported that Vorhees and McGill denied DOGE personnel access to secure areas, believing they were legally obligated to do so.
However, the DOGE team eventually obtained access on Saturday, raising concerns over the security of sensitive materials, including intelligence reports related to USAID operations.
Kate Miller, a member of DOGE’s advisory board, attempted to downplay the issue, reposting an article on X with the comment: “No classified material was accessed without proper security clearances.”
DOGE’s Involvement in Treasury Department Breach
This controversy comes just a day after Musk’s DOGE team conducted a similar operation at the U.S. Treasury Department, where they reportedly accessed sensitive information, including Social Security and Medicare payment systems. The Washington Post reported that the breach led to the resignation of a senior Treasury official.
Musk Labels USAID a “Criminal Organization”
Musk escalated his criticism of USAID on X, posting that the agency is a “criminal organization” and declaring, “Time for it to die.”
His remarks have drawn intense backlash, particularly from Democrats and aid organizations that rely on USAID funding.
USAID Website Vanishes and Staff Layoffs Continue
On Saturday, USAID’s website disappeared without explanation, and layoffs have already begun as part of the shutdown process. The Trump administration has imposed an unprecedented freeze on foreign aid, cutting off billions in funding for humanitarian, development, and security programs worldwide.
The impact is significant, as USAID administers programs in over 100 countries, supporting projects ranging from disaster relief to global health initiatives. Thousands of aid workers have reportedly been laid off due to the freeze.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Peter Marocco, a key figure in enforcing the shutdown, have played major roles in scaling back the agency’s operations.
Criticism from Lawmakers and Officials
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren condemned the move, accusing the Trump administration of giving Musk “unprecedented access to sensitive government systems and personal data.”
“We must do everything in our power to push back and protect people from harm,” Warren said in a statement.
USAID staff have also expressed concerns, claiming that outsiders with visitor badges—believed to be members of Musk’s DOGE team—have been questioning employees inside the agency’s Washington headquarters.
USAID’s Role and Global Impact
Founded in 1961, USAID has been a crucial player in administering billions of dollars in foreign aid. The agency works in over 100 countries on projects aimed at:
- Humanitarian assistance
- Global health programs
- Disaster relief
- Security and development efforts
The U.S. has long been the world’s largest donor of humanitarian aid, and experts warn that shutting down USAID could have dire consequences for developing nations and global stability.
What’s Next for USAID?
With key personnel placed on leave and Musk pushing for the agency’s closure, USAID’s future appears uncertain. However, Senate Democrats and other critics are expected to challenge the decision and push for investigations into DOGE’s involvement and access to classified materials.
For now, the agency’s closure reflects a broader trend in the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce federal programs and cut spending on international aid.