Mon Feb 03 20:41:25 UTC 2025: ## USAID Abruptly Halted, Secretary Rubio Takes Over Amidst Spending Probe

**Washington, D.C.** – The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been thrown into turmoil following a sudden halt to nearly all its programs and hundreds of layoffs. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Monday that he is now the acting director of the 63-year-old agency, citing a lack of cooperation from USAID regarding how taxpayer funds are spent.

The move follows an announcement by Elon Musk that his newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, with President Trump’s approval, is shutting down USAID. Employees received emails Monday instructing them to work from home, following days of chaos triggered by a Trump administration executive order pausing foreign assistance.

Rubio accused USAID of operating with an “attitude” that it was not accountable to anyone. “That’s not true and that will no longer be the case,” he stated. While he claims to be the acting director, he admitted to delegating the authority, declining to name the individual. He asserted that some USAID functions would continue, but only those aligned with U.S. national interests and foreign policy.

The administration’s actions have sparked outrage among Democrats. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) argued that dissolving USAID requires congressional action, given its statutory foundation. Protests took place outside USAID headquarters in response to the upheaval.

President Trump, when questioned about whether congressional approval was needed to dissolve USAID, responded that it wasn’t necessary “if it’s an act of fraud.”

The agency, which manages billions of dollars in humanitarian aid globally, had its website taken down amidst the sudden halt to its programs. This developing situation is likely to face further scrutiny from Congress.

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