Trump backs Musk's controversial USAID cut strategy
The Trump administration has placed two top security service chiefs on leave. According to reports from the Associated Press, this decision came after the chiefs refused to hand over classified materials to Elon Musk’s teams.
Employees of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), created by Musk, did not have the necessary security clearances to access information from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This agency deals with foreign aid and development, including support for Ukraine.
Two USAID officials, John Vorhees and his deputy Brian McGill, legally refused access to the data. However, on Saturday, DOGE inspectors gained access to classified information. A similar operation was carried out at the Department of State the day before.
Elon Musk established DOGE in cooperation with the Trump administration, aiming to find ways to reduce departmental costs and limit federal regulations. On Saturday, the USAID website was suspended without explanation.
Democrats claim that Trump does not have the authority to abolish an independent agency funded by Congress. They emphasize that USAID's work is crucial for national security, with the United States being the largest donor of humanitarian aid worldwide.
Musk announces closure
In a conversation on platform X with American businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and Republican Senator Joni Ernst, Musk stated that USAID is "beyond repair." U.S. President Donald Trump also believes the agency should be shut down.
Reuters reported that in 2023, USAID allocated $72 billion to international aid, supporting a wide range of programs, including women's access to basic healthcare in conflict areas, clean water initiatives, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and anti-corruption efforts. That year, USAID contributed 42% of the global humanitarian aid tracked by the UN.
Trump strongly supports Musk's budget spending actions. On Sunday, when asked if the billionaire was "doing a good job," Trump confirmed that the Tesla owner is excellent at cutting costs.
