Mon Feb 03 22:00:00 UTC 2025: ## U.S. Secretary of State Rubio Takes Control of USAID Amidst Trump Administration Shakeup

**San Salvador, El Salvador – February 4, 2025** – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced today that he has assumed control of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) following a weekend shutdown of the agency’s website and accusations of insubordination towards President Donald Trump’s agenda.

Rubio, speaking to reporters during a visit to El Salvador, stated he is the acting director of USAID, although he will delegate daily operations. His takeover follows billionaire Elon Musk’s vow to dismantle the agency, a close friend and advisor to President Trump.

Rubio, a former supporter of foreign aid, clarified that many USAID programs will continue. However, he criticized the agency for operating independently, pursuing initiatives that contradict national strategy. He cited instances where USAID programs directly opposed the administration’s goals.

“In many cases USAID is involved in programs that run counter to what we’re trying to do with our national strategy,” Rubio stated. He further accused USAID staff, many currently on leave, of failing to cooperate with the Trump administration’s inquiries regarding funding and priorities. “That level of insubordination makes it impossible to conduct a sort of serious review,” he said, adding, “It’s going to stop and it’s going to end.” The Secretary of State attributed the situation to a long-standing need for USAID reform, stating, “It’s been 20 or 30 years that people have tried to reform it.”

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