WASHINGTON: Elon Musk attacked the US Agency for International Development (USAID) on Sunday, calling it a “criminal organisation.” He criticised the agency after it refused to grant his representatives access to internal systems.
Musk’s task force clashed with John Voorhees, USAID’s security director, and his deputy. Two US officials said Musk’s team tried to enter a secure area to access classified material.
Donald Trump also criticised USAID, calling it “run by radical lunatics.” He said he was considering its future.
Musk and Trump have targeted the agency, accusing it of wasteful spending and government overreach. Musk, responding to a video on X, claimed USAID was involved in “rogue CIA work” and “internet censorship.”
In another post, Musk accused USAID of funding bioweapon research, including Covid-19, which he said “killed millions.” He provided no evidence for the claim, which officials have linked to Russian disinformation.
Trump said USAID had been “run by radical lunatics” and promised changes. He said his administration would decide on the agency’s future.
Trump expressed support for Elon Musk, calling him a “big cost-cutter.” He admitted they did not always agree but praised Musk’s efforts to reduce federal spending.
Trump froze all aid spending for three months. Though he later allowed waivers for food and humanitarian aid, uncertainty remains over USAID’s independence.
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USAID, created by Congress, manages a $42.8 billion budget for global humanitarian aid and development.
A senior US-based official warned that Washington might stop funding all non-emergency aid. Reports suggest Trump may fold USAID into the State Department. His team did not respond to AFP’s requests for comment.
