Elon Musk labels USAID a Criminal Organization on social media

In a post on X, Elon Musk wrote that "USAID is a criminal organization. It's time for it to Die". He issued this statement in reaction to a post indicating that senior USAID officials were placed on leave for attempting to block Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) officials from accessing the agency's system.

Musk's comment arises as there are increasing reports that US President Donald Trump aims to dissolve USAID, an autonomous federal agency, and merge it with the US State Department. Stephen Miller, the White House's deputy chief of staff for policy, has claimed that USAID staff are predominantly Democrats.

According to CNN, which referenced several sources familiar with the situation, two senior officials at USAID were put on administrative leave on Saturday night. This occurred after they attempted to prevent DOGA officials from accessing the agency's systems, while DoGE officials threatened to involve law enforcement.

According to sources, DOGA staff attempted to contact the USAID headquarters in Washington DC, but their access to the system was denied.

According to two sources, DOGE officials requested authorization for entry and threatened to call in U.S. marshals to facilitate access. Three other sources indicated that DOGE personnel aimed to access USAID's security systems and personal records.

According to CNN, two of the sources mentioned that DOGE officials sought access to classified information, which is restricted to individuals with security clearances and a specific need to know.

Established in 1961 during the tenure of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, USAID serves as the humanitarian branch of the U.S. government, disbursing billions of dollars each year globally to alleviate poverty, treat diseases, and address famines and natural disasters. According to CNN, approximately 60 senior USAID staff members were put on leave last week following accusations of attempting to bypass an executive order regarding foreign aid.