Staffers at the U.S. Agency for International Development were informed that the agency's main building in Washington was closed on Monday, directing them to work remotely.
The announcement came shortly after tech entrepreneur and ally of President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, revealed that he had discussed closing down the agency with the president.
The Transition Period
During a live X Spaces session on Monday morning, Musk stated, "With regard to the USAID stuff, I reviewed it with him, and he agreed that we should shut it down." This decision aligns with Trump appointing Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency group, tasked with identifying potential cuts within the executive branch.
Although Musk indicated that the closure of USAID was already in progress, the White House did not provide an immediate response to inquiries.
Financial Implications
USAID manages substantial U.S. foreign aid funds, currently under a freeze following a separate executive order by the president. Trump's criticism of the agency as being led by "radical left lunatics" signals an impending overhaul.
It's important to note that any significant restructuring of USAID would necessitate approval from Congress, indicating a potentially lengthy process.
Insider Insights
Reports suggest that a member of Musk's DOGE group sent the email instructing employees to work from home, though no official statements have been made. Key figures such as Phelim Kine, Nahal Toosi, Daniel Lippman, and Robbie Gramer have contributed to the coverage of these developments.