Department of Government Efficiency Moves Against USAID
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by tech magnate Elon Musk, has taken bold strides to assume control of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This unprecedented move was reported over the weekend by senior congressional sources who provided insights into the shifting power dynamics within the U.S. government.
Mass Resignations and Gag Orders
According to these sources, more than 50 senior staff members at USAID were placed on administrative leave, accompanied by a strict gag order preventing any external communication without prior approval. This drastic measure raises concerns regarding the agency’s operational integrity.
In an alarming display of control, DOGE’s team also stripped away identifying signs from USAID’s headquarters located in the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C. Furthermore, they commandeered the agency’s computer systems, leading to escalating tensions surrounding the agency’s independent status. USAID is charged with the essential function of distributing civilian foreign aid and development assistance to countries globally, managing around billion in appropriations in the past year alone, according to the Congressional Research Service.
Classified Information Controversy
The Associated Press reported an incident on Sunday where the Trump administration placed two key security officials at USAID on leave after they refused to hand over classified material and restricted information to DOGE. Initially barred from accessing classified information, DOGE gained authorization late Saturday to review critical intelligence reports, but not without pushing the boundaries of security protocols.
The outcome was controversial. USAID’s security personnel, John Voorhees and deputy Brian McGill, stated they were legally compelled to deny access to DOGE representatives due to their inadequate security clearance. The implications of this decision underscore the ongoing struggle for authority between different government branches.
Contentious Remarks by Musk
Adding fuel to the fire, Musk took to social media platform X, unleashing a series of scathing comments aimed at USAID. He declared, “USAID is a criminal organization. Time for it to die.” Musk further elaborated, describing the agency as “a viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists who hate America” and labeling it as “evil.” His assertions stemmed from allegations suggesting that USAID had funded coronavirus research in Wuhan, China—a claim that sparked considerable controversy in political circles.
Suspicion of Agency Reorganization
Amid these upheavals, many within USAID began to speculate whether the recent changes signified a strategic move to integrate USAID under the umbrella of the State Department, thereby enhancing accountability. Such realignments have historically occurred within federal agencies, but the centralized control exerted by DOGE marks a significant deviation from established norms.
Fallout from Trump’s Executive Order
The fallout from Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s decision to pause all U.S. foreign assistance through the State Department and USAID is becoming increasingly evident. Following Trump’s executive order, at least 56 USAID officials found themselves on administrative leave with full pay and benefits. Concurrently, several hundred contractors employed across various locations were laid off, reflecting the far-reaching impact of these administrative changes.
A Global Impact on Aid Programs
This 90-day pause has led to the suspension of countless U.S.-funded humanitarian, development, and security programs around the world. Aid organizations are grappling with staffing challenges, as financial uncertainties prevent them from maintaining payroll for their employees. The breadth of this humanitarian assistance is critical, and many fear that halting these programs could have disastrous consequences for vulnerable populations globally.
The implications of the DOGE’s takeover and the broader implications for U.S. foreign aid remain to be seen. The political landscape is rife with speculation, uncertainty, and heated debate over the future trajectory of U.S. international development efforts.
Fox News Digital’s Chris Pandolfo and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
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