The Republican president reportedly confirmed the closure of the government agency, considering it partisan.
Key facts
Musk’s comments came during an X Spaces stream that began at midnight EST to discuss the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The billionaire said he checked with him several times and asked, «Are you sure?» and Trump said yes, «so we’re going to close it.»
Without offering evidence, Musk attacked the aid agency, saying its work was «incredibly politically partisan.»
During the stream, Musk described USAID not just as an «apple with a worm inside,» but rather as a «bowl of worms» that was «beyond repair» and the only solution was to «basically get rid of the whole thing.»
Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who was also on the broadcast, said that if there are «really good pro-American programs» that were under USAID’s purview, they should be moved to the State Department and «make sure we have proper oversight.»
What did Trump say about USAID on Sunday?
Earlier Sunday night, Trump was asked by reporters about the status of USAID and said, «Well, it’s been run by a bunch of radical lunatics, and we’re taking them out… and then we’ll make a decision.»
What to know about DOGE’s confrontation with USAID?
Agents from the Department of Government Efficiency, which Musk heads, were reportedly stopped by senior USAID security officials as they attempted to access materials in the aid agency’s office, including classified information. According to CNN, the two USAID officials were placed on administrative leave on Saturday and the DOGE agents were eventually able to access the classified materials despite lacking proper security clearances. Musk responded to CNN’s report by calling USAID a «criminal organization» without any proof and adding that it was «time for it to die.»
Key Background
USAID’s website went offline Saturday afternoon amid an effort by the Trump administration to bring the independent aid agency under the direct control of the State Department. Trump’s recent actions, including an order to freeze most foreign aid, have led to confusion and uncertainty at the agency over the past week as employees feared an imminent shutdown. Several of the agency’s posters were removed from its Washington, D.C. offices on Friday, NBC News reported. Global aid groups have warned that the closure of USAID and the halt to U.S. foreign aid could have a catastrophic humanitarian impact around the world.
