Elon Musk Claims Trump to Shut Down USAID Amid Controversy
In a move that has sparked intense debate, Elon Musk announced that U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The agency, widely regarded as the premier global development body, oversees billions of dollars in aid projects, focusing on disaster relief, global health, and economic development.
Musk, the CEO of Tesla and X, claimed he had checked in with Trump multiple times, receiving confirmation that the administration was moving forward with the plan. “Yes, we are shutting it down,” Trump allegedly told him, according to Musk’s remarks on an X Spaces live stream late Sunday night. Musk, who heads the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has previously described USAID as “a criminal organization. Time for it to die.”
The Trump administration wasted no time implementing its foreign aid freeze. On Saturday, USAID’s website went dark, fueling speculation that the White House was making good on its campaign pledge to curtail foreign assistance spending. Reports suggest Trump is considering an executive order to officially dismantle the agency, moving its responsibilities to the State Department.
With over 10,000 employees stationed in more than 100 countries, the abrupt shake-up has led to mass layoffs. Senior officials were dismissed following Trump’s “stop work” order, and nearly 400 contract employees were let go.
Further concerns emerged after reports surfaced that an AI program, identified as “Gemini,” had been installed in USAID employees’ email accounts. Several staff members voiced fears over potential surveillance or data access issues, although the administration has not commented on the matter.
The decision has faced fierce opposition from lawmakers and international leaders. Critics argue that Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally shut down a federal agency created by Congress. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) took to social media, warning, “Trump isn’t satisfied just to close programs and fire staff. He is now planning to ELIMINATE THE ENTIRE AGENCY. Maybe this weekend. That would be illegal. He cannot unilaterally close a federal agency. Another assault on the Constitution.”
Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) also condemned the move, emphasizing the agency’s vital role. “Eliminating USAID, which prevents famines, counters terrorism, and creates more markets for U.S. exports, would make the world a more dangerous place for Americans and be a gift to China and Russia.”
Trump’s decision aligns with his broader “America First” agenda, which has seen the U.S. withdraw from international commitments. On his first day back in office, he pulled the country out of the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO). He has also escalated trade tensions with Canada, Mexico, and China, further signalling a return to nationalist economic policies.
