Elon Musk and Trump conspire to shut down USAID

In the United States, Elon Musk, a billionaire adviser to President Donald Trump, announced during a live session on social media that he and Trump are in the process of shutting down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Musk described the agency as "beyond repair" and stated that it is akin to a "ball of worms" rather than an apple with a worm inside. This declaration follows a recent incident where two USAID security officials were placed on leave after denying access to classified information for Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) due to a lack of security clearance on the part of Musk's personnel. USAID has been facing scrutiny and severe cuts under the Trump administration, which has imposed freezes on foreign assistance and has engaged in efforts to overhaul government bureaucracy. Musk's actions and statements signal a broader objective to dismantle large portions of federal agencies, particularly those involved in foreign aid and international development. The agency has been crucial for providing humanitarian assistance globally since its establishment in 1961, managing billions of dollars in aid. As these developments unfold, concerns are growing regarding the potential impacts on international aid programs and the political implications of dismantling such a significant government body.