Trump, Musk Target Closure of USAID Amid Protests

The Trump administration, with Elon Musk's oversight through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has initiated a controversial move to shutter the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which distributes billions in humanitarian aid. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has taken over as acting head of USAID, accusing the agency of being unresponsive and mismanaged, while Trump has labeled it as run by 'radical left lunatics.' Democratic lawmakers have protested this action, asserting it will harm vulnerable populations and undermine U.S. influence globally. Musk has publicly stated that he and Trump agree on the agency's closure, claiming it is 'beyond repair,' and has leveled unsubstantiated accusations against USAID regarding fraud and harmful activities. The situation has led to employee lockouts and growing chaos within the agency. Critics fear this drastic restructuring is primarily driven by ideological motives rather than fiscal responsibility.