Elon Musk and his associates within the federal government are back in the news—this time focusing on the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

As reported by CNN, tensions flared late Saturday evening when two high-ranking USAID officials prevented personnel linked to Musk from entering the agency’s offices. These officials reportedly aimed to thwart what seemed to be an effort to acquire sensitive, possibly classified information. However, their actions triggered immediate repercussions: both were placed on administrative leave. The fate of USAID now hangs precariously.

USAID, responsible for managing billions in global assistance to address poverty, famine, and disasters, has emerged as a prime target for Musk and former President Donald Trump. The agency’s goal of providing resources to at-risk populations sharply contrasts with the ongoing attempts by the duo to dismantle social safety programs such as FAFSA and SNAP. Despite some federal judges stepping in to block aspects of their plans, the pressure on USAID is increasing.

Trump’s earlier executive orders aimed at the agency have already resulted in delays of essential relief shipments and halted funding for NGOs working in crisis areas. Just the previous week, 60 senior USAID staff members faced allegations of trying to circumvent an executive order regarding foreign aid. In defense of the funding freeze, Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked, “The U.S. government is not a charity.”

With USAID’s leadership rendered inactive and its systems in disarray, the agency’s capacity to deliver critical aid is now significantly threatened.

At the same time, Musk, CEO of X (formerly Twitter), has utilized his platform to defend his actions and criticize USAID. He has characterized the agency as “evil,” a “criminal organization,” and a “viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists who despise America.” His provocative language has intensified the situation as the crisis progresses.

This is not Musk’s initial engagement with federal agencies. He and his allies in the Office of Personnel Management have already taken control of computer systems within the U.S. Treasury, which manages $6 trillion in annual payments—effectively the entirety of the federal budget. Under the pretense of budget cuts, Musk has gained influence over the allocation of funds to various organizations and programs. Critics contend that this constitutes a clear infringement on Congress’ constitutional authority over financial matters and demand urgent action to rectify the overreach.

At present, USAID is trapped in a state of uncertainty. Sources disclosed to CNN that the entire public affairs office of the agency has been put on leave and locked out of their systems. With its leadership incapacitated and its mission under threat, USAID’s ability to fulfill its vital role in global assistance is now more precarious than ever.