Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) takes control of USAID, sparking concerns over access to sensitive data and the agency’s future.
Top Takeaways
- DOGE representatives forcibly accessed USAID offices and internal systems, including classified information.
- Two top USAID security officials were placed on administrative leave for non-compliance.
- The USAID website went dark, and numerous staff members were put on administrative leave.
- Elon Musk criticized USAID on social media, calling it a “criminal organization.”
- Concerns are growing over the impact on international aid programs and USAID’s future as an independent agency.
DOGE Takes Control of USAID Offices
In a shocking turn of events, representatives from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have forcibly taken control of USAID offices. Claiming to be State Department employees, these individuals demanded access to USAID facilities, threatening to involve the U.S. Marshals Service if denied entry. Security guards ultimately complied, allowing DOGE representatives to gain access to sensitive internal systems, including critical databases and financial management software.
The takeover has resulted in significant disruptions within the agency. USAID posters and flags were removed, and employees placed on leave had their ID badges and computers seized. The agency’s chief of staff, Matt Hopson, resigned shortly after his appointment by the Trump administration, further adding to the chaos.
Security Officials Placed on Leave
In a controversial move, two top USAID security officials were placed on administrative leave for refusing to provide classified information to Elon Musk’s inspection teams. This action has raised serious concerns about the handling of sensitive data and the potential compromise of national security information.
USAID is a criminal organization.
Time for it to die. https://t.co/sWYy6fyt1k
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 2, 2025
Despite lacking proper security clearance, DOGE representatives eventually accessed USAID’s classified information. This unprecedented access has alarmed career civil servants and raised questions about the protection of sensitive personnel data.
USAID Website Goes Dark
Adding to the turmoil, the USAID website has gone offline with no information provided about when it might be restored. Staff members interpret this lack of updates as a deliberate decision to shut down the website, further hampering the agency’s ability to communicate with the public and carry out its mission.
The sudden changes have left many USAID employees uncertain about their roles and the future of ongoing international development efforts. There is speculation about potential consolidation under the State Department, which could significantly alter the landscape of U.S. foreign aid.
Impact on International Aid Programs
The ongoing situation at USAID has led to a freeze in aid programs, halting over $1 billion in spending on non-aligned initiatives. This has created uncertainty for aid organizations and raised concerns about the impact on life-saving programs worldwide. Democratic senators have warned against dissolving USAID as an independent agency, highlighting the potential consequences for global humanitarian efforts.
The Trump administration has issued a directive interpreted as a gag order, discouraging public statements from aid organizations. This move has further complicated efforts to understand and address the full impact of the changes at USAID on international development programs.
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
