Elon Musk and Trump Agree to Shut Down USAID Amid Controversy

Elon Musk announced on Sunday that U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), following growing tensions over the agency's role and its recent internal disruptions.

During a session on X Spaces, Musk revealed that after discussing the issue in detail with Trump, both agreed that the agency is "beyond repair." Musk described USAID as “a ball of worms,” asserting that its internal issues were so entrenched that dismantling it was the only viable solution.

Agency Leadership Crisis

The remarks come after the Trump administration placed two top security officials at USAID on leave. These officials reportedly clashed with Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which sought access to classified materials within USAID. The dispute reached a boiling point when DOGE personnel, lacking proper security clearance, were denied access to restricted information by the USAID officials, who believed they were legally bound to refuse.

The tensions culminated in a dramatic move to close USAID’s headquarters in Washington on Monday. Staff were reportedly locked out of their computers, and the building was sealed off, with employees instructed to stay away.

Trump's Public Condemnation

In a follow-up to the developments, Trump voiced his disdain for the agency during a press briefing at Joint Base Andrews, referring to USAID as “run by a bunch of radical lunatics” and affirming that the agency would be overhauled, although the exact future plans remain unclear. He echoed Musk's sentiment, confirming that the agency’s current structure was untenable and signaling that major changes were imminent.

The Strategic Role of USAID

USAID has long been a key instrument of U.S. foreign policy, providing billions of dollars annually in humanitarian aid and development assistance. The agency's mission, often linked to the “three Ds” of U.S. national security—defense, diplomacy, and development—has been a central component of the U.S. government's soft power approach to global relations.

While some have praised the agency’s work in fostering global development and building diplomatic ties, critics like Musk and Trump argue that its operations have been marred by inefficiency and mismanagement.

As the closure of USAID looms, questions about the future of U.S. foreign aid and its global influence are likely to intensify. The White House and USAID have yet to release an official statement on the decision.