Tue Feb 04 07:03:20 UTC 2025: ## USAID’s Future Uncertain After Musk Calls for Shutdown, Rubio Demands Reform

**Washington D.C./El Salvador –** The future of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) hangs in the balance following conflicting statements from high-ranking officials. Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), announced Monday that he and President Trump had agreed to shut down the agency, calling it “criminal.” However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio later clarified that while the agency needs significant reform, a complete shutdown isn’t necessarily on the table.

Musk’s announcement, made on X (formerly Twitter), followed the removal of two USAID officials over weekend access disputes at the agency’s headquarters. DOGE officials gained access after the removals, and USAID headquarters staff were subsequently instructed to work remotely.

Rubio, speaking from El Salvador, acknowledged concerns about USAID’s operations, stating that the agency needs to better align its programs with the administration’s and State Department’s foreign policy priorities. He emphasized that the issue isn’t about ending all USAID programs but reforming its independent operations and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent in alignment with US national interests.

Rubio’s comments contrast sharply with Musk’s declaration of a complete shutdown. While President Trump has yet to publicly comment on Musk’s announcement, his allies have underscored the administration’s commitment to an “America First” approach. The USAID, founded in the 1960s, is a significant player in US foreign aid, accounting for over half of US foreign assistance and boasting numerous international partnerships, including extensive work in India. The extent of the agency’s current operations in India remains unclear. The situation remains fluid, with the ultimate fate of USAID yet to be determined.

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