USAID Security Chiefs Placed on Leave Amid DOGE Access Controversy

The Trump administration has placed two senior officials at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on administrative leave after they refused to grant access to classified materials for Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Despite their objections, DOGE ultimately accessed sensitive USAID information, including intelligence reports. Musk publicly condemned USAID, labeling it a 'criminal organization' on social media, while a member of DOGE asserted that no classified material was accessed without proper security clearances. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the security protocols governing access to classified information within government agencies. Experts are calling for stronger safeguards to prevent future breaches, as similar operations by DOGE have also occurred at the Treasury Department. The situation reflects ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and various federal agencies, particularly amid efforts to cut government spending and restructure operations.