Fate of USAID hangs in balance as Trump Pauses Foreign Aid, Musk Criticizes USAID | N18G
US President Donald Trump’s 90-day foreign aid pause led to the removal of USAID security officials after they blocked access to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) representatives. Tensions escalated as DOGE personnel accessed restricted areas, sparking Musk’s criticism, calling USAID a “criminal organization.” With Trump considering dissolving USAID, concerns arose about merging it with the State Department. Republican Brian Mast supports this, while Democrats argue it’s unconstitutional. USAID, created in 1961, has been the U.S.’s humanitarian arm, funding global aid and health programs. Critics fear Trump’s actions may eliminate USAID’s independent status, creating a constitutional crisis.