HomeUS NewsElon Musk Says Trump ‘Agrees’ to End USAID Operations

Elon Musk Says Trump ‘Agrees’ to End USAID Operations

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is facing potential closure following claims by billionaire Elon Musk and the Trump administration that the agency is beyond repair. Musk, who has recently been involved in efforts to reform federal agencies, stated during a live session on X Spaces that he had spoken with the president, who agreed that USAID should be shut down.

“It’s not an apple with a worm in it,” Musk said. “It’s a ball of worms. You’ve got to get rid of the whole thing. It’s beyond repair.” He later reinforced his stance by calling USAID a “criminal organization” in an X post.

--Advertisement--

The situation escalated after two senior USAID security officials, John Voorhees and Brian McGill, were placed on leave. The officials had refused to grant members of Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) access to classified intelligence, arguing they lacked the necessary security clearances. However, DOGE eventually gained access to restricted information on Saturday, leading to concerns over security protocol breaches.

--Advertisement--

DOGE, created in cooperation with the Trump administration, aims to reduce federal programs, fire government employees, and cut regulations. The agency has also targeted the Treasury Department, gaining access to sensitive systems like Social Security and Medicare. This led to the resignation of a senior Treasury official.

--Advertisement--

Meanwhile, USAID’s website disappeared on Saturday without explanation, and the Trump administration has already frozen foreign aid programs, forcing mass layoffs among humanitarian organizations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has overseen the agency’s dismantling, implementing furloughs that have weakened its leadership.

President Trump defended the move, calling USAID a “radical” agency in need of reform. The U.S. has historically been the world’s largest humanitarian donor, with USAID managing billions in aid across more than 100 countries.

--Advertisement--

Senator Elizabeth Warren condemned Musk’s involvement, accusing the administration of enabling him to shut down programs and access personal data. “We must do everything in our power to push back and protect people from harm,” she said.

Camilia Perez
Camilia Perezhttps://phsoutlook.com
Camilia Perez is a dynamic news anchor and journalist celebrated for her insightful reporting and dedication to delivering impactful stories. With a passion for uncovering the truth and a talent for connecting with audiences, she brings clarity and depth to her work. Camilia’s approachable yet authoritative style has made her a trusted and influential voice in journalism.

Subscribe to get the latest Global & Local News