In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through the international aid community, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) headquarters in Washington was effectively shuttered on Monday, with hundreds of employees reporting system lockouts. This development follows tech billionaire Elon Musk’s announcement that President Donald Trump had agreed to dismantle the six-decade-old agency.
Agency shutdown and system lockouts
More than 600 USAID employees discovered they were locked out of the agency’s computer systems overnight. Those who maintained system access received official notifications that the headquarters building would be closed to agency personnel on Monday, February 3, citing directions from agency leadership.
In a live session on X Spaces early Monday, Musk declared, “It became apparent that its not an apple with a worm it in. What we have is just a ball of worms. You’ve got to basically get rid of the whole thing. It’s beyond repair.” He added simply, “We’re shutting it down.”
Security chiefs placed on leave amid classified information dispute
The crisis intensified over the weekend when two senior USAID security officials were placed on leave after refusing to provide classified materials to Musk’s inspection teams. This follows a similar pattern to recent events at the Treasury Department, where Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) gained access to sensitive information, including Social Security and Medicare payment systems.
Political response and legal questions
Democratic lawmakers have challenged the legality of these actions, arguing that the president lacks the constitutional authority to unilaterally shut down USAID without congressional approval. Meanwhile, President Trump defended the action, stating to reporters on Sunday night, “It’s been run by a bunch of radical lunatics. And we’re getting them out.”
Senator Elizabeth Warren voiced concerns about the unprecedented access to personal information being granted to Musk’s team, calling for action to “protect people from harm.” The agency’s website disappeared on Saturday without explanation, marking another step in what appears to be a broader crackdown on federal government operations.
Impact on international aid
The Trump administration has already implemented an unprecedented freeze on foreign assistance, resulting in thousands of layoffs across aid organizations. The agency, which traditionally oversees humanitarian, development, and security programs in approximately 120 countries, has seen its leadership and staff severely reduced through furloughs and forced leaves.
