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Uncertainty Looms as Trump and Musk Threaten USAID's Future
2025-02-04 13:29:09
Politics
Ukraine

Uncertainty Looms as Trump and Musk Threaten USAID's Future

Image courtesy of : AFP (JIM WATSON)

The recent closure of USAID, driven by Elon Musk and Donald Trump, has sparked controversy and uncertainty. Musk, with Trump's backing, accessed USAID's systems, calling it a 'viper's nest of radical-left Marxists.' His actions have led to the agency's website and social media being taken down, and top security officials being placed on leave for resisting. This shutdown threatens foreign aid, with Ukraine among the hardest hit, facing a humanitarian crisis amid halted support.

Ukraine has heavily relied on USAID, receiving substantial non-military assistance. The aid freeze leaves many organizations and municipalities struggling, with projects suspended and essential services halted. This decision disrupts USAID's longstanding role in fostering global alliances and countering geopolitical adversaries.

Federal agencies are also feeling the impact, with workers facing job insecurity and rapid changes in policy. The chaos stemming from the Trump-Musk takeover has left employees disoriented and fearful of mass firings, while federal programs are at risk of being dismantled. Democrats and international organizations criticize these moves, viewing them as illegal and harmful to global humanitarian efforts.

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USAID Closure Sparks Major Controversy

The recent announcement of the potential closure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has sent shockwaves through political and humanitarian circles. Spearheaded by former President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk, the decision threatens billions in aid that USAID distributes globally. Established as a key component of US foreign policy, USAID has been instrumental in development and humanitarian efforts across over 100 countries. The proposal has sparked fierce opposition from Democrats, who accuse Trump and Musk of acting in the interests of foreign powers such as Beijing and Moscow. They argue that shuttering USAID could lead to dire consequences, including famines and the rise of terrorist organizations. There is also talk of potential legal action to halt the agency's closure. Trump and Musk have criticized USAID, labeling it inefficient and accusing it of engaging in unethical activities. Musk, who has gained significant influence within the Trump administration, argues that dissolving USAID would streamline government operations and reduce spending. However, this move has raised concerns about national security, with figures like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez highlighting the risks of Musk's access to sensitive information. The potential dismantling of USAID has ignited a heated debate in Congress, with some Republicans supporting the move while Democrats stand firmly against it. Critics fear that closing the agency will weaken US leadership on the global stage, potentially allowing rivals like China to expand their influence. As the situation unfolds, the future of USAID hangs in the balance, with significant implications for US foreign policy and international aid.

Elon Musk and Trump's Plan to Close USAID Sparks Controversy

Elon Musk, a key advisor to former President Donald Trump, has announced plans to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Musk's statements have ignited a political storm, with claims that USAID is a "criminal organization" and accusations of it engaging in "rogue CIA work" and funding bioweapon research. Despite the fact that Congress controls the budget, Musk asserts that Trump agreed to close the agency. This move has drawn significant criticism from Democrats and experts in foreign policy. They argue that closing USAID is an unconstitutional power grab and a potential disaster for U.S. foreign policy. Senator Ron Wyden warned of the implications of this decision, which has already led to the lockout of USAID employees and the suspension of key security officials who resisted Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). USAID, the world's largest donor of humanitarian aid, plays a crucial role in global stability by providing assistance in over 100 countries. Its shutdown could affect numerous humanitarian programs, including health initiatives and disaster relief efforts. The Trump administration's freeze on foreign aid, however, has already disrupted many of these programs, leading to widespread concern among international partners. While former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has welcomed the potential closure, U.S. lawmakers like Senator Elizabeth Warren have raised alarms about the risks of allowing Musk access to sensitive government information. The threat to USAID highlights the broader agenda of reducing federal spending and reshaping U.S. foreign aid policies, a move that continues to divide opinion both domestically and internationally.

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democracynow
3. Februar 2025 um 13:32

"Time for It to Die": Trump & Musk Back Closing USAID as Freeze on Foreign Aid Threatens Millions

Elon Musk, the Tesla billionaire and presidential adviser, has accessed USAID's classified systems, including personnel files, leading to the removal of the agency's website and social media channels over the weekend. Musk claims USAID is a "viper's nest of radical-left Marxists" and has instructed staff to stay away from the agency's Washington headquarters, while two top security officials were placed on administrative leave after attempting to block Musk's so-called Department of Government..
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4. Februar 2025 um 10:55

Donald Trump and Elon Musk close the American humanitarian aid agency, USAID

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Donald Trump and Elon Musk have ordered the closure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), blocking employee access and closing the website. Although Congress has not approved this decision, Trump claims that it "should have been done a long time ago". Musk is conducting a review of the federal government with Trump's approval, having discussed the closure of USAID with him at length.
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