On Monday, staff at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) were instructed to avoid their Washington headquarters, which was cordoned off by police following Elon Musk’s announcement that President Donald Trump agreed to shut down the agency.
Approximately 600 employees were reportedly locked out of USAID’s computer systems overnight. Those still with access received emails stating that the headquarters would be closed to personnel on Monday, February 3.
Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), justified the closure by stating, “It became apparent that it’s not an apple with a worm in it. What we have is just a ball of worms. You’ve got to basically get rid of the whole thing. It’s beyond repair.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, now overseeing USAID, criticized the agency for being uncooperative and opaque. He emphasized that USAID must serve U.S. national interests.
Democratic lawmakers have protested these actions, arguing that President Trump lacks the constitutional authority to shut down USAID without congressional approval.
USAID has been responsible for administering billions of dollars in humanitarian, development, and security assistance in more than 100 countries.
The agency’s closure raises concerns about the future of U.S. foreign aid and its impact on global humanitarian efforts.
