Washington, D.C. — February 5, 2025 The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) faces an uncertain future after U.S. President Donald Trump escalated efforts to overhaul the agency, following an explosive intervention by Elon Musk. The billionaire tech mogul, who was appointed by Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), branded USAID a “criminal organization” and declared it was “time for it to die.”
The controversy erupted after two top USAID security officials were reportedly placed on leave for blocking Musk’s representatives from accessing classified materials without proper security clearance. The officials, Director of Security John Voorhees and Deputy Brian McGill, were suspended following the incident, multiple U.S. media outlets reported.
Musk’s Clash with USAID Over Security Access
According to reports first published by CNN, Musk’s cost-cutting task force within DOGE sought entry into restricted areas of USAID’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. When denied access, DOGE personnel allegedly bypassed security barriers and gained access to classified information.
Musk later took to his social media platform X to attack the agency, posting:
“Time for it to die.”
The White House has denied allegations that DOGE attempted unauthorized access to classified data. Communications Director Steven Cheung dismissed the reports as “fake news” and insisted no breaches occurred. However, Katie Miller, a senior figure in DOGE, admitted in a social media post that classified materials were not accessed without proper security clearance, implying that there had been an attempt to do so.
USAID Website Goes Dark Amid Speculation of Closure
The turmoil deepened on Saturday when the official USAID website went offline, only to be replaced with a barebones page under the U.S. Department of State website. The sudden change has fueled speculation that USAID could be merged into the State Department, effectively dismantling the agency.
Trump’s administration has already frozen nearly all foreign aid, and sources suggest he is considering eliminating USAID altogether. Democratic lawmakers and former USAID officials have warned that doing so without Congressional approval would be illegal and a breach of constitutional separation of powers.
“If this gambit succeeds – if Trump (or Elon) can override Congressional statutes and funding mandates, and Congress acquiesces – it’s a very dark sign,” said Jeremy Konyndyk, former USAID disaster response director.
Democrats Sound Alarm Over Musk’s Expanding Power
The controversy has reignited fears about Elon Musk’s influence over the Trump administration. While Musk does not hold elected office, his role as head of DOGE has given him sweeping powers over government efficiency reforms, including access to sensitive government systems.
Following reports that DOGE had gained access to federal payment systems, which contain personal financial data on millions of Americans, Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez issued a stark warning:
“This is a five-alarm fire. The people elected Donald Trump to be President – not Elon Musk.”
“Having an unelected billionaire, with his own foreign debts and motives, raiding U.S. classified information is a grave threat to national security. This should not be a partisan issue.”
Trump Vows to Purge ‘Radical Lunatics’ from USAID
Amid growing tensions, Trump signaled his intent to restructure the agency, telling reporters on Sunday:
“We’re getting the radical lunatics out of USAID before we decide what comes next.”
The USAID funding freeze is already taking effect, with Trump singling out South Africa as the first target. The U.S. president pledged to halt all aid to the country in response to its land reform laws, which allow for the confiscation of white-owned farmland without compensation.
“The United States won’t stand for it. We will act,” Trump declared on his Truth Social platform, adding that all funding would be halted until a full investigation is completed.
The U.S. provided South Africa with $440 million in assistance in 2023, primarily for health, education, and economic development programs.
Future of U.S. Foreign Aid Hangs in the Balance
With USAID’s future now in serious jeopardy, the fate of U.S. foreign aid programs remains uncertain. The U.S. allocated $72 billion in foreign assistance in 2023, benefiting nearly 180 countries, with USAID handling over half of these funds.
While Trump and Musk’s allies argue that restructuring USAID is necessary to eliminate waste and corruption, critics warn that dismantling the agency could have severe geopolitical consequences and weaken U.S. influence abroad.
As tensions escalate, all eyes are now on Congress, which may step in to block Trump’s efforts to shut down USAID. For now, the agency remains in limbo, with its future hanging by a thread.
