Did Donald Trump agree to dismantle USAID? Here’s what Elon Musk claims

Elon Musk has claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), following the president’s recent criticism of the agency’s leadership.

Musk’s comments came during an X Spaces discussion at midnight EST, where he spoke about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its stance on foreign aid programs, as mentioned in a report by Forbes.

The move, if implemented, would mark a major shift in U.S. foreign aid policy, raising concerns over the future of American-funded international programs.

Musk Alleges USAID is ‘Politically Partisan’

During the X Spaces session, Musk accused USAID of being “incredibly politically partisan”, likening it to a “bowl of worms” beyond repair.

He said he repeatedly checked with Trump, asking, “Are you sure?”, to which the president reportedly responded affirmatively.

“So we’re shutting it down,” Musk declared, without offering any concrete evidence to support his claims against the agency, as quoted in a report by Forbes.

Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, who was also part of the discussion, suggested that some USAID programs could be transferred to the State Department under stricter oversight.

Trump’s Recent Attacks on USAID

Trump’s apparent support for USAID’s shutdown follows his verbal attacks on the agency’s leadership.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday evening, he described the agency’s officials as “a bunch of radical lunatics”, adding that his administration was “getting them out” before making a final decision on its future.

His remarks have intensified speculation over the administration’s broader plan for foreign aid restructuring, with sources indicating that USAID could be absorbed into the State Department or face a complete dissolution.

Tensions Between DOGE and USAID Escalate

The tension between Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and USAID has been escalating in recent days.

According to reports, DOGE operatives were stopped by USAID security officials while attempting to access sensitive materials at the agency’s headquarters.

CNN reported that two USAID officials were placed on administrative leave on Saturday, and that the DOGE operatives eventually accessed classified materials despite lacking proper security clearances.

Musk, responding to these reports, went further in his criticisms, calling USAID a “criminal organization”, though he provided no evidence to support his claims.

“It’s time for it to die,” he wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Uncertainty Over USAID’s Future

Amid these developments, the USAID website went offline on Saturday afternoon, fueling speculation about the agency’s future.

Reports suggest that signs from USAID’s Washington D.C. offices were removed on Friday, adding to concerns that the Trump administration is moving quickly to dismantle the agency.

The administration’s decision to freeze most foreign aid funding has already caused confusion among USAID staff, with employees fearing an imminent closure.

Meanwhile, global aid organizations have warned that shutting down USAID could have severe humanitarian consequences, potentially disrupting disaster relief efforts, global health programs, and economic development initiatives worldwide.

FAQs

What does the USAID do?

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) serves as the primary agency responsible for providing aid to nations recovering from disasters, combating poverty, and advancing democratic reforms.

What is the full form of USAID?

USAID stands for the United States Agency for International Development.