Tesla CEO and billionaire adviser to the Trump administration, Elon Musk, has called for the shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). During a live session on X Spaces (formerly Twitter Spaces) on Monday, Musk claimed he had spoken with President Trump, who agreed with his proposal to dissolve the agency.
“It’s not just an apple with a worm in it,” Musk stated. “It’s a ball of worms. You’ve got to get rid of the whole thing. It’s beyond repair. We’re shutting it down.”
Tensions Rise Over Classified Information
Musk’s remarks come amid heightened tensions at USAID, where two senior security officials were placed on leave after refusing to grant access to classified materials. According to sources cited by the Associated Press, Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been pushing for full control over USAID’s intelligence reports.
Despite initial resistance, members of Musk’s team gained access to restricted information on Saturday, raising concerns about the agency’s security and oversight.
Debate Over USAID’s Future
USAID, a key player in international aid and humanitarian efforts, now faces an uncertain future as Musk pushes for its closure. His comments have sparked intense debate over whether the agency should be restructured or dismantled entirely.
Critics argue that shutting down USAID could disrupt global relief programs and weaken U.S. diplomatic influence. However, Musk and his allies maintain that the agency is plagued by inefficiency and corruption, making reform impossible.
With Musk’s growing influence in government operations, the fate of USAID now rests on how the administration proceeds with his recommendations.
