Elon Musk’s aides gain unprecedented access to sensitive data at USAID, sparking security concerns and agency turmoil.
Key Takeaways
- Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) accessed USAID’s classified information without proper clearance.
- Senior USAID staff locked out of internal systems; many employees placed on administrative leave.
- USAID’s website went dark, with no information on when it will be restored.
- Aid organizations express concern over potential funding freeze impact on life-saving programs.
- Democratic senators warn against dissolving USAID as an independent agency.
DOGE Takes Control of USAID Offices
In a startling turn of events, representatives from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have reportedly taken over offices at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This development has sent shockwaves through the agency, with senior staff finding themselves locked out of internal systems and an increasing number of employees placed on administrative leave.
The situation escalated when DOGE representatives, claiming to be State Department employees, demanded access to USAID offices. Security guards complied after threats to involve the U.S. Marshals Service. This aggressive takeover has raised serious questions about the future of U.S. international development efforts and the potential consolidation of USAID under the State Department.
Security Concerns and Data Access
Perhaps most alarming is the report that DOGE has gained access to USAID’s internal systems, including critical databases and financial management software. This access was granted despite the fact that Musk’s team reportedly lacks proper security clearance. Two top USAID security officials were placed on administrative leave for attempting to prevent this unauthorized access to classified information.
USAID is a criminal organization.
Time for it to die. https://t.co/sWYy6fyt1k
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 2, 2025
The scope of DOGE’s reach extends beyond USAID, with reports indicating they have also accessed sensitive information at the Treasury Department. This broad access to government data without proper vetting has raised significant security concerns among career civil servants and lawmakers alike.
Impact on Aid Programs and Staff
The turmoil at USAID has not only affected internal operations but also threatens to impact critical aid programs worldwide. With many staffers placed on administrative leave, including those involved in waiver requests for aid programs, there is growing uncertainty about the continuity of life-saving initiatives.
Aid organizations have expressed deep concern over a potential funding freeze, which could halt over $1 billion in spending on non-aligned programs. The Trump administration has reportedly issued a directive interpreted as a gag order, discouraging public statements from aid organizations about the situation.
Political Reactions and Future Uncertainties
The dramatic changes at USAID have not gone unnoticed in Washington. Democratic senators have warned against dissolving USAID as an independent agency, emphasizing the importance of its work in international development and humanitarian aid. However, the lack of vocal support from some Republican senators who have historically backed the agency has left many USAID staff feeling abandoned.
As the situation continues to unfold, questions remain about the long-term implications of these changes for U.S. foreign aid policy and the future of USAID as an independent agency. The coming weeks will likely be crucial in determining whether this is a temporary disruption or a permanent shift in how the United States approaches international development and humanitarian assistance.
Sources:
- Turmoil inside USAID: Staff to work from home as Musk seeks to shut down agency
- USAID security chiefs put on leave after trying to stop Musk’s team from accessing classified info, officials say
- Musk Aides Lock Govt HR Workers Out of Computer Systems
