Elon Musk and President Donald Trump have intensified their scrutiny of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), with Musk calling the agency a “criminal organization” on Sunday, while Trump signaled potential structural changes to its operations.
The developments follow Trump’s decision to freeze nearly all U.S. foreign aid for three months as his administration reviews spending to align with his “America First” foreign policy.
Musk took to his social media platform X to criticize USAID, stating, “USAID is a criminal organization. Time for it to die.”
USAID is a criminal organization.
Time for it to die. https://t.co/sWYy6fyt1k
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 2, 2025
Dennis Quaid’s #1 Warning for Americans
He later alleged that the agency had funded bioweapon research, including COVID-19, using taxpayer money.
Trump echoed concerns about the agency, stating that it has been “run by a bunch of radical lunatics” and pledging changes.
“We’re getting them out… and then we’ll make a decision [on its future],” he said.
President Trump on USAID: “It has been run by a bunch of RADICAL LUNATICS and we’re getting them out … and then we’ll make a decision” pic.twitter.com/PUkToccYca
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 3, 2025
When asked about Musk’s increasing involvement in government affairs, Trump praised him, saying, “He’s a big cost-cutter. Sometimes we won’t agree with it…he’s a smart guy. Very smart. And he’s very much into cutting the budget of our federal government.”
Trump: “I think @elonmusk‘s doing a good job. He’s a big cost cutter. Sometimes we won’t agree with it and we’ll not go where he wants to go, but I think he’s doing a great job. He’s a smart guy, very smart, and he’s very much into cutting the budget of our federal government.” pic.twitter.com/kst6q2k0RJ
— Mr Producer (@RichSementa) February 3, 2025
Reports have surfaced about an incident involving Musk’s controversial “DOGE” task force, which was given authority to inspect government spending.
CNN reported that two senior USAID security officials were placed on leave after attempting to block DOGE personnel from accessing classified documents.
Sources say DOGE representatives sought access to sensitive staff files and security systems at USAID headquarters.
USAID security personnel initially denied them access but were allegedly warned by the U.S. Marshals Service about potential action if they continued blocking entry.
Following the confrontation, USAID’s security director, John Voorhees, and his deputy, Brian McGill, were removed from their positions.
Nearly 100 USAID employees, including staff in the Legislative and Public Affairs bureau, reportedly lost access to their emails, adding to concerns about the agency’s stability.
A DOGE spokesperson, Katie Miller, denied that any classified material was accessed without proper authorization.
The situation has sparked backlash from Democratic lawmakers. Senator Chris Murphy called the developments a “total destruction” of USAID, while Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized Musk’s influence in the government.
“The people elected Donald Trump to be President — not Elon Musk,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X. “Having an unelected billionaire, with his own foreign debts and motives, raiding U.S. classified information is a grave threat to national security.”
This is a five alarm fire.
The people elected Donald Trump to be President – not Elon Musk.
Having an unelected billionaire, with his own foreign debts and motives, raiding US classified information is a grave threat to national security.
This should not be a partisan issue. https://t.co/OkEfM1n1Ga
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) February 2, 2025
Senator Cory Booker also condemned the moves, warning that dismantling USAID “will cost untold lives around the world, devastate America’s standing, and massively empower China and other countries.”
Trump ally Rep. Brian Mast, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed support for restructuring USAID under the State Department. “The purging of people throughout the State Department, other agencies, and freezing aid are all very important and necessary steps to make sure that we secure America,” Mast said on CBS’ Face the Nation.
THE STATE DEPARTMENT PURGE BEGINS – DEI & WOKE IDEOLOGY ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK!
The globalist-engineered DEI agenda, designed to weaken and destabilize America, is about to face a dramatic halt.
State Department under fire – DEI waste in foreign aid EXPOSED.
Rep.… pic.twitter.com/y4uhlvBGCW
— Jim Ferguson (@JimFergusonUK) February 3, 2025
The freeze on foreign aid is already affecting international programs.
Critical humanitarian efforts—including refugee medical aid in Thailand, landmine clearance in war zones, and HIV/AIDS treatment programs—face potential disruptions.
Meanwhile, USAID’s X account has been disabled, and its website has been down since Saturday, further fueling speculation about the agency’s future.
The USAID controversy follows reports that DOGE personnel gained access to sensitive Treasury Department financial systems, including Social Security and Medicare payment infrastructure.
Big things happened today
– Rand Paul said to Abolish USAID and end all foreign aid
– Donald Trump ended the USAID Website and X account
– Elon Musk confirmed less than 10% of foreign aid actually goes to people in needBillionaire Dan Pena says that number is closer to 0%… pic.twitter.com/07MRUS67cd
— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) February 2, 2025
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly granted Musk’s task force permission to review federal spending controls late last week.
A senior Treasury official has since resigned over DOGE’s access to the system, which handles approximately $5 trillion annually.
The implications of these actions remain unclear, but they indicate a broader effort by the administration to overhaul government spending and operations.
As Trump continues his efforts to reshape federal agencies, the fate of USAID remains uncertain.
The coming weeks are likely to bring further developments as lawmakers seek clarity on the administration’s broader agenda.
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