In an unexpected turn of events, staffers of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) were instructed to stay out of the agency’s Washington headquarters on Monday. This came after billionaire Elon Musk publicly announced that President Donald Trump had agreed to shut down the six-decade-old agency.
USAID Employees Locked Out of Computer Systems
According to staff members, over 600 employees reported being locked out of the agency’s computer systems overnight. Those who were still able to access their accounts received an email informing them that, at the direction of agency leadership, the USAID headquarters would be closed to all personnel on Monday, February 3.
Musk and Trump Discuss USAID Closure
The developments come after Musk, who is leading a civilian review of the federal government with Trump’s approval, revealed on Monday that he had discussed USAID with the president. Musk stated that Trump had agreed to the idea of shutting the agency down.
“It became apparent that it’s not an apple with a worm in it,” Musk explained during a live session on X Spaces. “What we have is just a ball of worms. You’ve got to basically get rid of the whole thing. It’s beyond repair.”
“We’re shutting it down,” Musk added.
GOP’s Criticism of USAID
Musk, Trump, and several Republican lawmakers have expressed growing dissatisfaction with USAID. They have accused the agency, which oversees humanitarian, development, and security programs in over 120 countries, of promoting liberal causes. This criticism has grown louder in recent months as USAID has become a target in an escalating effort to curtail the federal government’s influence.
Controversial Actions and Backlash
In the days leading up to the closure, the Trump administration placed two top security officials at USAID on leave. This came after the officials refused to hand over classified materials in restricted areas to Musk’s government-inspection teams. These actions were part of Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which had previously carried out similar operations at the Treasury Department, gaining access to sensitive information.
While Musk’s inspection teams have received approval from the Trump administration, these moves have sparked protests from Democratic lawmakers. They argue that Trump lacks the constitutional authority to shut down USAID without congressional approval. Additionally, they have condemned Musk’s actions in accessing sensitive government information.
USAID’s Growing Crisis
USAID, whose website mysteriously disappeared over the weekend, has faced increasing scrutiny and pressure under the Trump administration. The agency has been one of the most targeted by the administration in its broader crackdown on federal agencies and programs.
Trump himself has spoken disparagingly of USAID, claiming it has been “run by a bunch of radical lunatics,” and vowed to remove them. This rhetoric has fueled fears among staffers that the agency is on the brink of collapse.
Secretary of State’s Silence and International Impact
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is on his first foreign trip as the country’s top diplomat, has not yet commented on the potential closure of USAID. The Trump administration’s freeze on foreign assistance has already led to widespread shutdowns of USAID’s global aid programs, resulting in thousands of layoffs within aid organizations.
The Future of USAID
As the Trump administration continues to push for an unprecedented restructuring of federal agencies, the future of USAID remains uncertain. With staffers reporting increased tension and heightened security at the headquarters, many are left wondering what the next steps will be for the agency and the international programs it oversees.