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Tensions Rise as Trump and Musk Push to Dismantle USAID

Tensions Rise as Trump and Musk Push to Dismantle USAID

The Trump administration is reportedly planning to integrate the U.S. government’s primary international aid agency into the State Department, with employees being told to avoid its Washington headquarters on Monday.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed reporters that he had assumed the role of acting head of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the organisation responsible for distributing billions in foreign aid.

Democratic lawmakers have denounced the move, calling it “illegal and unconstitutional,” arguing that it would undermine global humanitarian efforts, jeopardise national security, and diminish U.S. influence abroad.

President Donald Trump and billionaire businessman Elon Musk, one of his closest advisers, have been vocal critics of the agency.

During a press briefing at the White House on Monday, Trump claimed USAID was being run by “radical left lunatics” and accused it of “tremendous fraud,” though he provided no further details or evidence.

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Founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, USAID employs roughly 10,000 people and operates with a budget of nearly $40 billion (£32.25 billion) out of the $68 billion allocated for U.S. foreign aid.

Labelling the agency as “completely unresponsive,” Secretary Rubio reassured that many of its functions would continue, but he emphasised the need for them to align with broader U.S. foreign policy.

“These programs will remain part of American diplomacy, but they must reflect American interests,” Rubio stated while speaking in El Salvador.

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The specifics of how the administration intends to execute these changes remain unclear.

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The announcement follows comments from Musk, who leads an informal cost-cutting initiative, suggesting the administration intends to shut down USAID entirely. The agency placed two senior security officials on leave over the weekend, and its website went offline.

On Monday, employees were instructed to stay home, and internal communications were disrupted, with hundreds reportedly losing access to their work emails, according to a message obtained by the BBC.

Outside the USAID headquarters, Democratic lawmakers condemned the move as unlawful and warned of its potential consequences for global stability.

“This is not only a gift to our adversaries… it’s outright illegal,” said Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen.

Maryland Congressman Johnny Olszewski pointed to reports indicating that security personnel overseeing thousands of Islamic State detainees in Syria nearly abandoned their posts following an earlier freeze in U.S. aid.

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“This is a serious and dangerous situation,” he cautioned.

Some lawmakers suggested Musk’s involvement stemmed from business interests.

“Elon Musk profits immensely from his dealings with China, and China is celebrating this decision,” claimed Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy.

Trump has given Musk the responsibility of leading the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), an informal initiative with broad authority to reduce government spending.

The legal status of Doge is ambiguous, as is its power to shut down federal programs. It has already faced multiple legal challenges.

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Over the weekend, Musk made numerous claims on social media, accusing USAID of widespread fraud and corruption.

On X, the platform he owns, he labelled the agency “evil,” a “criminal organisation,” and a “radical-left political psy-op,” using a term frequently associated with online conspiracy theories.

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