Elon Musk, leading President Trump's drive to shrink the federal government, announced plans to shut down the U.S. foreign aid agency USAID. Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is working to eliminate the agency, which provided $72 billion in assistance worldwide in 2023. The move has sparked controversy, with concerns raised about Musk's access to sensitive financial systems and the potential impact on global humanitarian aid.
Telsa, SpaceX and X CEO Elon Musk looks on ahead of Donald Trump 's inauguration, in Washington, on Jan. 20.Billionaire Elon Musk , who is heading U.S. President Donald Trump ’s drive to shrink the federal government, gave an update on the effort early Monday, saying work is under way to shut down the U.S. foreign aid agency USAID .
USAID is the world’s largest single donor. In fiscal year 2023, the U.S. disbursed $72-billion of assistance worldwide on everything from women’s health in conflict zones to access to clean water, HIV/AIDS treatments, energy security and anti-corruption work. It provided 42 per cent of all humanitarian aid tracked by the United Nations in 2024.
Speaking more broadly about cutting U.S. expenses and fraud, Musk estimated the Trump administration can cut $1-trillion from the U.S. deficit next year. The online chat comes amid concerns about Musk’s access to the Treasury system, first reported by the New York Times, that sends out more than $6-trillion per year in payments on behalf of federal agencies and contains the personal information of millions of Americans who receive Social Security payments, tax refunds and other monies from the government.
ELON MUSK DONALD TRUMP USAID FOREIGN AID GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY
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