Washington, DC / Panjab Post
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has sparked controversy by referring to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as a “criminal organization” and suggesting that it should be shut down. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Musk posted, “USAID is a criminal organization. Time for it to die.” Musk’s remarks came in response to a report about USAID officials being placed on administrative leave for attempting to block personnel from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing agency systems. The situation has fueled speculation that President Donald Trump is moving toward dismantling USAID and integrating it into the US State Department, a move reported by CNN.
According to sources, two senior USAID officials were suspended after they allegedly prevented DOGE personnel from accessing classified systems at the agency’s Washington, DC headquarters. The confrontation escalated when DOGE officials threatened to bring in US Marshals to gain access. Reports suggest that DOGE personnel were seeking control over security systems, personal files, and classified information, access to which is typically restricted to individuals with proper security clearances. The developments have raised concerns in Congress, with Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a key member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, calling the situation “serious and unprecedented.” She emphasized the need for immediate answers regarding any national security implications and confirmed that bipartisan lawmakers are preparing to investigate the matter.
Meanwhile, Katie Miller, a Trump appointee in DOGE, seemed to confirm that classified materials had been accessed but insisted that it was done with proper security clearances. Adding to the chaos, USAID’s website was taken offline on Saturday, with a new page appearing on the US State Department’s website. The agency’s official X account was also deactivated, raising further concerns about USAID’s future. Shortly after being sworn in on January 20, President Trump issued an executive order pausing all foreign aid for 90 days, leading to layoffs, program shutdowns, and widespread uncertainty. USAID’s Director of Security, John Voorhees, and several other officials have been placed on leave, fueling speculation that the agency is being deliberately dismantled.
Democratic lawmakers argue that Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally abolish a federal agency without congressional approval. Founded in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy, USAID has long been regarded as the US government’s humanitarian arm, distributing billions of dollars annually to combat poverty, disease, and global crises. With tensions rising, the future of USAID remains uncertain, as Trump’s administration moves toward an unprecedented restructuring of foreign aid programs.
Elon Musk Labels USAID a “Criminal Organization,” Calls for Its Dissolution

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