USAID staffers told to stay out of Washington headquarters after Musk said Trump agreed to close it
Feb 03, 2025
The Associated Press is a news organization that provides information to people all over the world. They cover a variety of topics, including politics, sports, entertainment, business, science, and more. Recently, there was a story about an agency called USAID, which provides aid and development programs in 120 countries. The agency was told to stay out of their Washington headquarters after Elon Musk, a billionaire, announced that President Trump agreed to shut down the agency. This caused confusion among the employees who were locked out of their computer systems.
The situation escalated further when two top security chiefs at USAID were placed on leave for refusing to turn over classified material to Musk's government-inspection teams. There were reports of sensitive information being accessed by Musk's team, leading to concerns about privacy and security. Democratic lawmakers expressed their concerns about the constitutional authority to shut down USAID without congressional approval.
Despite the controversy, the Trump administration and Musk continued with their plans to shut down the agency, citing concerns about the agency's leadership and programs. This decision has led to layoffs and furloughs within the agency, affecting its operations worldwide. The situation remains tense, with questions about the legality and implications of shutting down USAID.
Overall, the story highlights the complex interactions between government agencies, private individuals, and political decisions. It underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in managing public programs and organizations.