Tech billionaire Elon Musk recently made headlines by announcing plans to shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of an effort to slash federal spending. Musk, the leader of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), stated that USAID was “beyond repair” and “hopeless.” This move, which has not received congressional approval, was reportedly supported by President Donald Trump.

Established in 1961, USAID is the world’s largest foreign aid agency, providing assistance to countries recovering from disasters and striving to alleviate poverty. In fiscal year 2023, USAID disbursed $72 billion in aid worldwide, funding initiatives from women’s health to energy security.

Musk’s decision to dismantle USAID sparked controversy, with Democratic lawmakers protesting the move, citing concerns over a private citizen like Musk having broad powers and questioning the constitutional authority to shut down USAID without congressional approval.

The shutdown of USAID aligns with Trump’s “America First” policy, which includes a global freeze on most U.S. foreign aid. Musk’s team, empowered by Trump, has gained access to critical government systems, such as the Treasury payment system, to monitor and potentially reduce government spending.

While Musk’s actions have garnered support from Trump, concerns persist regarding the implications of dismantling such a significant aid agency without proper oversight. The clash between Musk’s cost-cutting agenda and traditional governmental processes underscores the evolving landscape of federal governance and expenditure control.