USAID Employees Ordered to Avoid HQ Following Musk’s Trump Closure Remarks

In a significant upheaval at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), top security officials have been placed on leave following their refusal to provide classified materials to teams associated with Elon Musk. This action forms part of a broader initiative led by Musk under President Trump’s direction to shutter the 60-year-old agency.

On Monday, USAID staff were ordered to avoid the headquarters in Washington, as a memo clarified that the building would remain closed to personnel. Reports indicate over 600 employees faced unexpected lockouts from the agency’s computer systems, with the agency leadership citing security concerns.

Musk expressed his intent to dismantle USAID in a live broadcast, claiming discussions with Trump confirmed mutual agreement on the agency’s futility. “This is just a ball of worms. It’s beyond repair,” he stated emphatically.

The agency, responsible for managing humanitarian efforts across 120 countries, has been criticized by Musk, Trump, and Republican legislators for allegedly advocating progressive causes. Recent actions represent an intensified effort to reshape or eliminate it.

Over the weekend, the Trump administration justified placing two USAID security heads on leave for noncompliance with requests to disclose sensitive information, a revelation shared by officials to the Associated Press. In prior instances, Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) gained access to sensitive data at the Treasury Department, causing significant departures within the agency.

Democratic lawmakers have voiced strong opposition to these maneuvers. They argue that Trump lacks the authority to dissolve USAID unilaterally, highlighting concerns about Musk’s inspections and access to confidential data.

The status of USAID’s digital presence has also changed, with its website disappearing without explanation just days prior. Critiques of the agency have been relentless, with Trump denouncing its leadership as “radical lunatics” and pledging to remove them.

Compounding these developments, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is currently overseas, raising additional questions about the administration’s handling of foreign aid and USAID’s future. The administration’s recent freeze on foreign assistance has dramatically impacted NGO operations, leading to widespread layoffs.

As tensions escalate, Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren highlighted the potential ramifications of Musk’s access to personal data and governmental funds. “We must do everything in our power to push back and protect people from harm,” she asserted, underlining the urgency of safeguarding civil liberties amidst these extraordinary changes.