Musk’s DOGE takes aim at ‘viper’s nest’ federal agency
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by tech billionaire Elon Musk, has made headlines recently for its bold move to seize control of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). According to senior congressional sources, over 50 senior USAID staff members were placed on administrative leave and given a gag order, preventing them from communicating with anyone outside the agency without approval.
DOGE took over USAID’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., removing signs and gaining control of the agency’s computer systems. USAID, responsible for distributing civilian foreign aid and development assistance globally, managed approximately $40 billion in appropriations last year.
The Trump administration reportedly placed two top security chiefs at USAID on leave after they refused to provide classified material to DOGE. Despite initial denial, DOGE eventually gained access to USAID’s classified information, including intelligence reports.
Elon Musk took to social media to criticize USAID, calling it a “criminal organization” and stating that “USAID is a viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists who hate America.” He also suggested that USAID funded coronavirus research in Wuhan, China, referencing an interaction between Sen. Rand Paul and former USAID Administrator Samantha Power.
Questions have arisen regarding whether DOGE’s actions at USAID are part of a larger effort to move the agency under the State Department for improved accountability. Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio paused all U.S. foreign assistance funded through the State Department and USAID, leading to the placement of 56 USAID officials on administrative leave and layoffs of several hundred contractors.
The 90-day pause on U.S.-funded humanitarian, development, and security programs has had widespread effects, forcing aid organizations to lay off employees due to the inability to make payroll.
In conclusion, the power struggle between DOGE and USAID has raised concerns about the future of foreign aid distribution and accountability. Stay tuned for further developments in this ongoing saga.
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