Department of Government Efficiency Takes Aim at USAID, Places Senior Staff on Administrative Leave
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by tech billionaire Elon Musk, has moved to seize control of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) over the weekend. According to senior congressional sources, over 50 senior USAID staff members were placed on administrative leave and subjected to a gag order, preventing them from communicating with anyone outside the agency without approval.
Signs were also removed from USAID’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., and the DOGE team took over the computer systems. USAID is responsible for distributing civilian foreign aid and development assistance to countries around the globe, managing approximately $40 billion in appropriations last year.
Initially, DOGE was refused access to USAID’s classified information, but after gaining access on Saturday, DOGE team members were able to view intelligence reports and other sensitive information. This move has sparked controversy, with Musk taking aim at USAID on his social media platform, X, calling it a “criminal organization” that “needs to die.”
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., criticized the move, saying it is “recklessly and illegally dismantling USAID” and will put the health of people, especially children, at risk. The pause on foreign assistance has halted thousands of U.S.-funded programs worldwide, forcing aid organizations to lay off hundreds of employees.
The situation is ongoing, with the 90-day pause in place, and the fate of USAID hanging in the balance.
