**Demonstrators Halt Operations at USAID Headquarters as Agency Closes Amid Controversy**

In the early hours of Monday, Feb. 3, a large group of demonstrators assembled outside the Washington, D.C. headquarters of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Their objective was not to invade the federal building but to create a symbolic blockade, opposing a directive intended to effectively dismantle the agency under the facade of fiscal prudence. By the afternoon, the USAID office had officially ceased operations, and its website had been taken offline.

This striking action came after a statement from Elon Musk, the newly appointed head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a non-governmental advisory entity designed to address inefficiencies in federal spending. Musk announced his plan to terminate USAID, stopping tens of billions of dollars in foreign aid. This decision was in line with President Trump’s broader initiative to cut federal expenditures, targeting what Musk labeled as an “evil” and “criminal organization” filled with “radical-left Marxists who despise America.”

Federal personnel were prohibited from entering the USAID facilities, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio assuming the role of the agency’s interim administrator. Rubio condemned USAID for being “unresponsive” and requiring alignment with U.S. foreign policy goals.

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### **What is USAID?**

USAID, created in the 1960s under President John F. Kennedy, has long served as the federal government’s main agency for managing international assistance. Its mission encompasses disaster relief, poverty reduction, and support for democratic reforms in over 60 nations. The agency partners with organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to carry out global initiatives.

Functioning under the supervision of the president, the secretary of state, and the National Security Council, USAID has historically been a fundamental aspect of U.S. foreign policy, overseeing nearly half of the government’s international aid budget. In 2023, this amounted to around $68 billion.

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### **Why Was USAID Targeted?**

Musk’s move to dismantle USAID was driven by its large budget and his broader mission to eradicate what he views as unnecessary government expenditures. While Trump and Rubio had initially pledged to exempt humanitarian assistance from cuts, Musk proceeded with plans to completely dissolve the agency. Trump had also voiced dissatisfaction with USAID leadership, referring to its executives as “radical lunatics.” On Feb. 3, USAID’s Director for Security John Vorhees and Deputy Director for Security Brian McGill were both removed from their positions.

Musk’s maneuvers are part of a broader initiative to exert control over federal systems. After the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) denied him access to internal systems on Feb. 2, Musk is reported to have facilitated the removal of administrators who resisted him. Soon after, Musk and his associates seized control of U.S. Treasury databases, raising alarms about the extent of his power.

Reports indicate that USAID’s duties will now be incorporated into the State Department, albeit with a considerably diminished budget and staff. The future of existing international aid initiatives remains in doubt.

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### **What is DOGE?**

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was announced by Trump in November 2024, shortly following his re-election. Initially referred to as a “Manhattan Project” for modernizing federal systems and eliminating inefficiencies, DOGE was created as an advisory body under the United States Digital Service (now rebranded as the U.S. DOGE Service) and the Office of Personnel Management.

Legally, DOGE’s authority is confined to providing recommendations under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Major budgetary decisions are still the responsibility of Congress. However, in practice, DOGE and Musk have been exercising powers that critics claim exceed their legal authority. Some have even characterized Musk’s actions as a “forcible takeover of government.”

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### **What’s Next?**

The closure of USAID signals a major change in U.S. foreign policy and prompts inquiries regarding the future of international assistance. While DOGE was ostensibly established to enhance government operations, its assertive actions under Musk’s leadership have ignited widespread concern about the deterioration of established federal processes and oversight. As USAID’s roles are integrated into the State Department, the long-lasting effects on global humanitarian efforts remain to be determined.