The tech billionaire’s remark comes as two senior USAID officials are placed on leave following a clash with government efficiency officers
Washington, DC [US], February 3: Tech mogul Elon Musk has taken a strong stance against the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), calling it a “criminal organization” and stating that it is “time for it to die.”
Musk made the comment in response to reports that senior USAID officials were placed on administrative leave after they attempted to block Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) officials from accessing agency systems.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk wrote:
“USAID is a criminal organization. Time for it to die.”
His statement comes amid mounting speculation that US President Donald Trump plans to dismantle USAID, an independent federal agency, and integrate its functions into the US State Department.
USAID in Crisis: Senior Officials Placed on Leave
The controversy deepened after two top USAID officials were suspended on Saturday night, following an intense standoff with DOGE personnel at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, DC.
According to CNN, DOGE officials attempted to gain access to USAID’s security systems and personal files, allegedly seeking classified information. The confrontation escalated when DOGE personnel threatened to call US Marshals if they were not granted entry. Eventually, they were allowed access.
Three sources revealed that the DOGE officials wanted to review sensitive data, including classified intelligence files—which should only be accessible to those with security clearance.
Political Fallout and National Security Concerns
The incident has sparked widespread concern among lawmakers. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, described the situation as “incredibly serious and unprecedented.”
“Reports that individuals without appropriate clearance may have accessed classified USAID spaces and personal information of American citizens are alarming. We are seeking immediate answers about any implications for our national security,” she said.
Meanwhile, Katie Miller, a Trump-appointed official at DOGE, appeared to confirm that classified information had been accessed, writing on X:
“No classified material was accessed without proper security clearances.”
Trump’s Executive Order: A Blow to USAID
Shortly after his January 20 inauguration, President Trump signed an executive order pausing all foreign aid for 90 days, triggering confusion, layoffs, and program shutdowns at USAID.
The agency’s official website and social media accounts went offline on Saturday, fueling concerns that USAID is being dismantled.
Over 60 senior USAID officials have been placed on leave in the past week, following accusations that they attempted to bypass Trump’s foreign aid suspension. Another senior official was also suspended after allegedly trying to reinstate personnel who had been wrongly accused.
Democrats Warn of ‘Illegal’ Dismantling of USAID
Democratic lawmakers have raised alarm over Trump’s actions, stating that eliminating a federal agency without congressional approval is illegal.
Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, USAID serves as the US government’s humanitarian arm, distributing billions of dollars in aid annually to combat poverty, disease, and natural disasters worldwide.
China and Russia Weigh In on US Political Turmoil
Amid the chaos surrounding USAID, both China and Russia have criticized the US government, arguing that the dismantling of USAID could weaken Washington’s global influence in humanitarian and development efforts.
What’s Next?
As Trump moves forward with reshaping US foreign policy, USAID remains at the center of political and diplomatic tensions. Whether Congress will intervene to prevent its dismantling or Trump will continue consolidating power over federal agencies remains to be seen.