Tech billionaire Elon Musk has announced that he and President Donald Trump are working towards the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Musk, who leads Trump's government efficiency initiative, shared this development on his social media platform, X, stating, "We’re shutting it down," and elaborating that they are "in the process" of dismantling USAID.
He emphasized that the initiative has the president's full backing, having discussed the details with Trump multiple times, who confirmed his agreement to the plan.
Trump praised Musk's efforts, labeling USAID as "run by a bunch of radical lunatics," although he did not explicitly state intentions to close the agency without congressional approval.
Discussions among Trump administration officials have suggested transferring USAID's responsibilities to the State Department.
This move has raised legal concerns among Democratic lawmakers and experts.
Trump has announced a freeze on nearly all U.S. foreign assistance for a 90-day review, while Congress allocates approximately $40 billion annually to USAID, which was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.