
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) takes control of USAID, sparking controversy and concern over data access and agency operations.
Quick Takes
- DOGE representatives gained access to USAID offices and internal systems, including sensitive databases.
- Senior USAID staff, including security chiefs, were locked out of systems or placed on administrative leave.
- Elon Musk criticized USAID on social media, calling it a “criminal organization.”
- Concerns raised over potential dissolution of USAID as an independent agency and impact on international aid programs.
- Trump administration issued directive interpreted as a gag order on public statements from aid organizations.
DOGE Takes Control of USAID Offices and Systems
In a surprising turn of events, representatives from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have taken control of key offices and computer systems at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The move has sent shockwaves through the agency and raised concerns about the security of sensitive information on millions of federal employees.
According to reports, DOGE representatives, claiming to be State Department employees, demanded access to USAID offices. Security guards complied after threats to involve the U.S. Marshals Service. The DOGE team then gained access to USAID’s internal systems, including critical databases and financial management software.
Senior Staff Locked Out, Placed on Administrative Leave
As part of this takeover, senior USAID staff members have been locked out of internal systems, and more employees have been placed on administrative leave. Two top USAID security officials were put on leave for refusing to provide classified information to Musk’s inspection teams, despite concerns over proper security clearance.
The rapid changes have left many USAID employees uncertain about the future of their roles and the agency’s mission. Adding to the confusion, the USAID website has gone dark, with no information provided on when it might be restored.
Elon Musk’s Involvement and Criticism
Elon Musk has been directly involved in USAID staff calls and has not hesitated to criticize the agency on social media. His comments have further fueled the controversy surrounding the takeover.
USAID is a criminal organization.
Time for it to die. https://t.co/sWYy6fyt1k
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 2, 2025
Musk’s DOGE was formed with the stated goal of reducing the federal workforce, cutting programs, and slashing regulations. The actions at USAID appear to be part of this broader initiative, raising questions about the future of U.S. international development efforts.
Concerns Over Aid Programs and Funding
The turmoil at USAID has led to significant concerns about the impact on international aid programs. A funding freeze has halted over $1 billion in spending on non-aligned programs, creating uncertainty for aid organizations and potentially affecting life-saving initiatives around the world.
Democratic senators have warned against dissolving USAID as an independent agency, highlighting the potential consequences for U.S. foreign policy and humanitarian efforts. The Trump administration’s directive, interpreted by many as a gag order, has further complicated the situation by discouraging public statements from aid organizations.
Looking Ahead
As the situation at USAID continues to unfold, questions remain about the long-term implications of these changes. The potential consolidation of USAID under the State Department and the future of U.S. international development efforts hang in the balance. With Congress yet to weigh in significantly, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of this vital agency and its global impact.
Sources:
- Turmoil inside USAID: Staff to work from home as Musk seeks to shut down agency
- USAID security chiefs put on leave after trying to stop Musk’s team from accessing classified info, officials say
- Musk Aides Lock Govt HR Workers Out of Computer Systems