Mon Feb 03 11:58:44 UTC 2025: **Elon Musk and Trump Order Closure of USAID Amidst Security Dispute**
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Billionaire Elon Musk announced on Monday, February 3, 2025, that President Donald Trump has agreed to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), following a dispute over access to classified information. This announcement led to the immediate closure of USAID headquarters in Washington, D.C., with approximately 600 employees locked out of their computer systems.
The decision comes after Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team, conducting a government review, faced resistance from two top USAID security officials, John Voorhees and Brian McGill, who refused to grant access to classified material due to security clearance issues. Following their refusal, the two officials were placed on leave. Musk subsequently described USAID as “a ball of worms” beyond repair.
Musk’s comments, made on X (formerly Twitter), followed his earlier statement that USAID is “a criminal organization.” The unexpected closure of the agency has caused widespread disruption and uncertainty among its staff. The incident highlights the ongoing power struggle within the Trump administration and Musk’s significant influence on government policy.
First Piper 