Musk criticizes USAID and removes agency's account from X social network

"USAID is a criminal organization. Time for it to die," Musk wrote.

On the same day, a close ally of US President Donald Trump made another post accusing USAID of funding biological weapons research, including COVID-19.

Politico reports that the weekend proved turbulent for USAID, as talks about the possible merger of the agency with the US State Department are increasingly sounding like they are turning into a concrete plan of action.

Specifically, Republican Congressman from Florida Bryan Mast stated on Sunday that the agency will most likely be more closely controlled by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

He added that he is working with the Secretary of State to ensure proper command and control over these agencies, as currently only 10-30% of US development funding managed by USAID goes toward assisting.

Meanwhile, the X social media platform deleted the organization’s account, which had nearly one million followers. The website was also shut down. Moreover, dozens of USAID officials were sent on leave with their belongings.

A Democratic congressman and two Democratic Senate staffers, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that representatives from DOGE (a government efficiency group led by Musk) ultimately gained access to USAID's classified and other systems on Saturday.

The situation has drawn condemnation from leading Democrats, who are trying to rally support from their Republican counterparts as rumors circulate that DOGE representatives are attempting to access a range of government systems without the proper security clearance.

"Reports that individuals without appropriate clearance may have accessed classified USAID spaces as well as American citizens’ personal information are incredibly serious and unprecedented. We are seeking immediate answers about any implications for our national security and are bringing a group of bipartisan senators together on this as soon as the Senate comes back tomorrow," said Senator Jeanne Shaheen.

According to staff members from the Democratic Senate, around eight DOGE representatives - some with the proper clearances and some without - arrived at USAID’s main offices demanding access to all doors and floors. When USAID's security service denied them access, DOGE staff warned they would call the US Marshals Service to force the organization to let them in. Ultimately, DOGE officials were granted significant access.

Earlier on Friday, Congressional Democrats stated that the president does not have the authority to unilaterally strip the agency of its autonomy.

USAID's activities and the agency's aid to Ukraine

USAID is an independent agency of the US federal government responsible for non-military aid to other countries.

In Ukraine, the agency supports humanitarian programs such as school reconstruction, providing medical services, and repairing critical energy infrastructure.

Before Russia’s invasion, USAID allocated several hundred million dollars annually to Ukraine for democracy and human rights projects. However, Ukraine is now the largest recipient of aid. Currently, the agency is implementing 40 projects in the country.