Trump and Musk Team Up to Close Major US Aid Agency

 

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Elon Musk and Donald Trump are making headlines again, this time with a controversial plan to shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the country’s largest foreign aid organization. Musk, in a statement on his social media platform (formerly Twitter), called the agency “beyond repair” and revealed that he has the full backing of Trump to dismantle it. This move aligns with Trump’s long-standing “America First” agenda, which prioritizes reducing U.S. spending on international programs.

The Role of USAID

USAID has been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign assistance for decades, employing over 10,000 people and distributing $72 billion in aid last year alone. The agency funds various programs, including women’s healthcare in war-torn regions, disaster relief, and energy security projects worldwide. It has been instrumental in providing humanitarian aid, with the United Nations recognizing that in 2024, USAID accounted for 42% of all recorded global humanitarian assistance.

A Tense Weekend and Security Concerns

Tensions escalated over the weekend as two senior USAID security officials were fired for attempting to prevent Musk’s team from accessing restricted areas of the agency’s headquarters. The officials were reportedly resisting members of Musk’s newly established ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ (DOGE), which has been tasked with restructuring—or dismantling—government institutions deemed ineffective by the administration.

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The situation took another dramatic turn when USAID’s official website started experiencing technical failures on Saturday, eventually going offline. Many users reported being unable to access critical information, leading to speculation that the agency’s shutdown had already begun behind the scenes.

The Fallout: Who Will Be Affected?

If USAID is closed, millions of people worldwide who depend on its services will be left vulnerable. The agency supports refugee field hospitals, HIV treatment programs, and food security initiatives. With its potential dissolution, international aid programs could face severe disruptions, leaving those in crisis-stricken regions without crucial support.

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Critics argue that Musk and Trump’s push to defund USAID is more about cutting foreign aid spending rather than improving efficiency. The move has sparked widespread concern among aid organizations and international partners who fear the devastating consequences of such a decision.

Musk’s Role in Government Restructuring

Elon Musk’s increasing influence in government affairs is raising eyebrows. As the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk has historically focused on technology and space exploration, but his role in shaping government policies is expanding. Trump has reportedly enlisted Musk’s help in eliminating what he considers wasteful government spending, positioning him as a key figure in his administration’s economic and policy decisions.

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While supporters of this initiative argue that eliminating USAID will redirect funds to domestic priorities, opponents see it as a reckless decision that disregards America’s role in global humanitarian efforts.

What Happens Next?

The planned closure of USAID is still in the early stages, but its implications are already causing waves in political and humanitarian circles. Lawmakers, activists, and international leaders are expected to challenge the decision, but with Musk and Trump aligned on this issue, a full shutdown may be imminent.
The coming weeks will determine whether USAID can survive this political storm or if it will become the latest casualty of Trump’s cost-cutting strategies. One thing is certain: millions of people stand to lose if this plan goes forward.