Elon Musk has called for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to be dismantled, branding it a “criminal organisation.” His comments came after two senior USAID security officials were put on leave for denying his representatives access to classified materials. Musk, who was appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by President Donald Trump, expressed his frustration on social media, stating, “Time for it to die.”
Security Controversy Sparks Debate
Controversy arose when the agency’s head of security prohibited DOGE staff from entering restricted areas. John Voorhees and Deputy, Brian McGill stopped DOGE staff because they did not have requisite security clearances. The task force had entered, consequently raising fears over a breach in protocol. White House communications director Steven Cheung has brushed it all off by terming the reports “fake news.” A DOGE representative later admitted that, indeed, security clearances were acquired.

USAIDโs Future in Question
Trumpโs administration has already placed a freeze on most foreign aid, raising fears that USAID may face drastic cuts or even dissolution. The agencyโs website temporarily went offline over the weekend and a simplified version reappeared under the Department of Stateโs domain, suggesting a possible merger. Democratic Senator Chris Coons criticised these moves, arguing that USAID employees are vital to Americaโs global leadership and national security.
Bipartisanship voiced concern at his deepening intervention in the affair of the government. The media reported that DOGE managed to gain entry to the federal payment system. According to these systems, the said payment network had information concerning millions of American citizens. This concerned Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as “The people elected Donald Trump to be President – not Elon Musk.”
Cuts in Assistance from Trump for South Africa
In a related move, Trump blocked all US assistance to South Africa, citing an issue over policies on land confiscation. This comes after the signing of the law by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa that allows seizing white-owned land without compensation in certain instances. The US assisted South Africa to the tune of nearly $440 million in 2023. Funding will stay frozen pending review, Trump says.
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As authorities weigh in the future of USAID, there are many questions as to how the Trump administration and Musk’s DOGE initiative will reshape US foreign aid policies. If USAID is significantly downsized or dismantled, the global implications could be far-reaching.
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