Musk Calls for Closure of USAID, Labeling It a "Criminal Organization" Amid Tensions Over Federal Budget Cuts

Musk's Campaign to Dismantle USAID Gains Traction, While Critics Warn of Irreparable Damage to U.S. Global Aid Efforts

In the latest development of the ongoing U.S. federal budget debate, Elon Musk has launched a fierce campaign against the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), calling it a "criminal organization" that should be shut down. Musk, who is leading a government efficiency advisory group (DOGE), has been pushing for major cuts to federal spending, including foreign aid programs overseen by USAID.

According to reports from the Washington Post and AP, the tensions escalated when two senior security officials at USAID were suspended after refusing to provide DOGE investigators with access to classified information. These officials argued that DOGE lacked the necessary security clearance to view such sensitive data. However, following the suspension of the officials, DOGE was granted access to the information.

Musk, sharing his views on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), posted about the incident, calling USAID a "criminal organization" and asserting that the agency's closure was necessary. He added that President Donald Trump also agreed with his stance on dismantling USAID, claiming it was beyond repair.

The situation has drawn attention as USAID’s official website was unexpectedly taken offline, leaving the public unable to access the site. This incident is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to reduce federal spending, with a particular focus on halting foreign aid programs. On January 20, Trump issued an executive order to cut off all foreign aid and began a large-scale restructuring effort within USAID, with plans to downgrade the agency within the Department of State.

USAID, established in 1961, plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid and development assistance to over 130 countries, with an annual budget of approximately $42.8 billion. It also supports various non-governmental organizations and international agencies. Critics argue that dismantling such an established institution could undermine U.S. foreign policy and security, particularly in regions affected by natural disasters or conflict.

USAID’s supporters, including humanitarian organizations like Refugees International, have warned that closing the agency would irreparably harm U.S. national security and international standing. Jeremy Konidick, president of Refugees International, stated, "USAID has been a key tool for national security for over 60 years, and destroying it would be a disaster."

Despite this, Musk's efforts align with the Trump administration's goal of slashing federal expenditures, with foreign aid being one of the first targets. The issue has led to pushback from Democratic lawmakers, with some senators calling the suspension of USAID officials a grave breach of protocol. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) has vowed to convene a bipartisan group to address the issue when Congress reconvenes.

This developing situation underscores the growing divide over the role of government aid agencies and their influence on U.S. foreign policy. The debate is set to intensify as the new administration continues its push to reshape the federal landscape.