In Washington, D.C., the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) faced significant disruptions on Monday, as staff members were barred from accessing the headquarters. The agency’s lobby was cordoned off with yellow police tape, following an unexpected announcement by billionaire Elon Musk that President Donald Trump had consented to terminate the agency. This abrupt communication has led to a state of confusion and anxiety among USAID employees.
Reports indicated that over 600 staff members were locked out of USAID’s computer systems. Those who managed to log in received notifications that, per direction from the agency’s leadership, the headquarters would remain closed to personnel. Additionally, the agency’s website mysteriously disappeared over the weekend without any explanation provided.
These developments are the latest shifts in the tumultuous landscape of USAID since Trump assumed office, during which time thousands of employees have been laid off, and numerous programs have been halted. Musk’s involvement, along with his initiative titled the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), illustrates significant influence within the Trump administration. The announcement to shut down the agency was made early Monday, coinciding with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s overseas trip to Central America.
While speaking to the press in El Salvador, Rubio criticized USAID for its lack of transparency and responsiveness regarding its funding. He described the agency as having fallen short in its alignment with the overarching policy objectives of the Trump administration. Rubio expressed concern that the agency’s perceived insubordination hindered a comprehensive review of foreign aid, which he believes is necessary.
This turmoil follows Trump’s directive to freeze foreign assistance, which has had further-reaching consequences globally. As the largest provider of humanitarian aid worldwide, the U.S. actions have overturned long-standing protocols that integrated humanitarian efforts, development, and security assistance into diplomatic relations, particularly with nations like China and Russia. Consequently, numerous companies and organizations have ceased operations, resulting in widespread layoffs and a sense of uncertainty within the aid sector.
Democratic lawmakers have raised alarms regarding Trump’s authority to dissolve USAID without approval from Congress and have voiced concerns over Musk’s ability to access confidential government information due to his inspections. Senator Chris Van Hollen articulated at a rally that this situation reflects governmental corruption and an abuse of power. He argued that such actions are not only detrimental to relationships with allies but also illegal in nature.
On the same day, workers from the State Department were denied access to USAID facilities by security personnel. In the lobby, Department of Homeland Security officers utilized yellow tape to reinforce restricted access. Despite the chaotic scene, the USAID flag continued to flutter in front of the now-deserted headquarters, while employees previously managed to retrieve personal items from their offices.
Musk, who is conducting a comprehensive reassessment of the federal government with Trump’s endorsement, indicated that he had discussed the fate of USAID with the President, stating they had come to a mutual agreement regarding the agency’s closure. He remarked that the agency was too dysfunctional to salvage, likening it to a “ball of worms” rather than a single issue requiring minor fixes.
The chorus of criticism aimed at USAID has intensified, with both Musk and some Republican lawmakers accusing the agency of promoting liberal agendas. In the wake of Trump’s administration, many senior officials were placed on leave amid investigations, severely disrupting the agency’s leadership structure. When attempts were made to reinstate the personnel, those efforts were thwarted, leading to further instability within USAID.
Over the weekend, Musk’s administration placed two high-ranking security officials at USAID on leave after they resisted handing over classified materials. This has raised eyebrows within government circles as DOGE also conducted similar operations in other federal departments, causing resignations over the breach of sensitive information.
As one of the key federal bodies targeted by the current administration, USAID has been caught in the crosshairs of an increasing crackdown on federal operations and programs. Trump characterized the agency as being managed by “radical lunatics” and assured the public that changes were underway.
The freeze on foreign aid imposed by the Trump administration has had dire implications for numerous humanitarian initiatives globally, including a vital HIV-AIDS program initiated by former President George W. Bush, which has helped save millions of lives. Other critical programs aimed at supporting education for girls in Afghanistan and monitoring health crises, such as the recent Ebola outbreak in Uganda, have been effectively shelved, leaving many vulnerable populations in dire straits.
