Elon Musk Calls for USAID to 'Die' After Officials Put on Leave

Elon Musk Calls for USAID to 'Die' After Officials Put on Leave.

Elon Musk has called for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to “die” after reports revealed that two senior security officials were put on leave for refusing DOGE team access to restricted areas at the agency’s headquarters. Musk, appointed by President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), labelled USAID a “criminal organisation” following the incident. “Time for it to die,” Musk wrote on his social media platform X.

John Voorhees, USAID’s director of security, and Brian McGill, his deputy, were placed on leave after blocking DOGE representatives from accessing secure areas due to lack of security clearances. Despite this, reports indicate that DOGE was able to access the classified materials eventually. White House communications director Steven Cheung denied the allegations, calling them "fake news," while Katie Miller from DOGE acknowledged the team's attempts but stressed no classified materials were accessed.

The incident raises concerns about Trump's ongoing efforts to reshape USAID, with some speculating that the agency could be absorbed into the Department of State. Senator Chris Coons criticised the move, accusing Trump of undermining the agency's work, while former USAID official Jeremy Konyndyk warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for undermining Congressional mandates.

Musk’s confrontation with USAID follows reports that DOGE had gained access to the US federal payment system, leading to further alarm over Musk’s influence on government affairs. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed concern about Musk’s power, warning it posed a serious threat to national security.

In addition, President Trump announced a freeze on US funding to South Africa in response to new land confiscation laws, pledging to act until the situation is fully investigated. The US allocated $440 million in assistance to South Africa in 2023, but Trump's move is part of a broader push to reduce foreign aid.