Staff at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) were instructed to remain away from their Washington headquarters following Elon Musk’s announcement that he and former President Donald Trump agreed to shut down the agency. Employees reported being locked out of their computer systems, with some receiving communications stating the headquarters would be closed to personnel on Monday, February 3.
Musk claimed in a live session that the issues with USAID were so severe that it needed to be completely overhauled, asserting, “We’re shutting it down.” Both Musk and Trump, along with several Republican lawmakers, have been critical of USAID, suggesting it promotes liberal agendas.
Recent developments included the suspension of two key security officials at USAID after refusing to provide classified materials to Musk’s government inspection teams. Meanwhile, reports emerged that Musk’s operational group had previously accessed sensitive data at the Treasury Department, prompting a resignation.
Democratic lawmakers expressed outrage, asserting that Trump lacks the authority to dismantle an agency without congressional consent and raised concerns over Musk’s access to sensitive government information. USAID’s website mysteriously went offline over the weekend, further igniting speculation about its future amidst ongoing scrutiny from the Trump administration.