In a move that has stirred significant debate, Elon Musk announced early Monday on an X Spaces stream that President Donald Trump has concurred with his suggestion to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This statement came shortly after President Trump labeled the agency’s leadership as “radical lunatics,” intensifying the scrutiny surrounding one of the key bodies responsible for administering foreign aid.
Trump’s Critique and the Future of USAID Programs
The discussion, which unfolded on a stream dedicated to addressing government efficiency, revealed Musk’s repeated confirmations with President Trump. “I checked with him a few times and asked, ‘Are you sure?’ and he said yes, so we’re shutting it down,” Musk declared. The billionaire entrepreneur criticized USAID’s operations as “incredibly politically partisan,” describing the agency as a “bowl of worms” that was “beyond repair.”
On the eve of this shocking revelation, President Trump was probed by reporters about the conditions within USAID, to which he responded by criticizing the current administration of the agency. He hinted at a reshuffling of roles and responsibilities, stating, “Well it’s been run by a bunch of radical lunatics, and we’re getting them out…and then we’ll make a decision.”
Senator Joni Ernst, who also participated in the midnight stream, suggested that worthwhile, pro-American initiatives under USAID should not fall by the wayside. Instead, they should be integrated into the State Department to ensure they continue under “proper oversight.”
Security Concerns and Operational Hurdles
Tensions escalated when operatives from Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) reportedly faced barriers from senior USAID security officials while attempting to access critical materials at the agency’s office, including classified information. Despite lacking necessary security clearances, these operatives were ultimately successful, a situation that Musk did not shy away from, labeling the agency a “criminal organization” and insisting on its closure.
Broader Implications of Shutting Down USAID
The potential shutdown of USAID poses numerous questions about the future of U.S. foreign aid, especially at a time when global aid organizations have raised alarms about the potentially disastrous humanitarian impacts. With the agency’s website going offline over the weekend and physical signs being removed from its offices, the uncertainty only mounts.
As the Trump administration reportedly seeks to bring the independent agency under the direct control of the State Department, both national and international observers are keenly watching the unfolding events, concerned about the abrupt changes and their long-term effects on global humanitarian efforts.