84 sources·Politics

Trump and Musk Plan to Shut Down USAID Amid Political Fallout

Tensions escalate as Trump and Musk's initiative to close USAID triggers protests and holds from Democratic lawmakers, impacting global humanitarian aid.

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  1. Congressional Democrats Step Up Fight Against Elon’s Shadow Presidency

    Musk’s recent actions, which include attempting to dismantle a vital humanitarian aid agency and acting as an unqualified shadow president, not only defy legality but also pose severe risks to national security and global stability.

    Congressional Democrats Step Up Fight Against Elon’s Shadow Presidency

    Mother JonesMother Jones·2M
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  2. Democratic Senator Says He'll Put a Hold on Trump’s State Department Nominations

    Senator Brian Schatz's decisive action to hold up State Department nominations underscores his deep concern over the future of USAID, which he believes is under threat from reckless proposals that could dismantle critical foreign aid.

    Democratic Senator Says He'll Put a Hold on Trump’s State Department Nominations

    Epoch TimesEpoch Times·2M
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  3. What is USAID and why is it in Trump’s crosshairs?

    The proposed dismantling of USAID by Musk and Trump marks a troubling shift in U.S. foreign policy, raising serious questions about the value placed on international aid and its critical role in advancing national interests.

    What is USAID and why is it in Trump’s crosshairs?

    Fox BusinessFox Business·2M
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  4. 'Viper's nest': USAID accused of corruption, mismanagement long before Trump admin took aim

    The impending dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development underlines a troubling shift towards austerity measures that prioritize a narrow interpretation of national interest over humanitarian aid.

    'Viper's nest': USAID accused of corruption, mismanagement long before Trump admin took aim

    FOX NewsFOX News·2M
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  5. Trump and Elon Musk are upending USAID. Here's what to know about its work.

    The Trump administration's aggressive assault on USAID not only jeopardizes longstanding humanitarian efforts but also undermines U.S. credibility and influence on the global stage, risking the nation’s ability to compete effectively with rivals like China and Russia.

    Trump and Elon Musk are upending USAID. Here's what to know about its work.

    CBS NewsCBS News·2M
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  6. Democrats say they're "pulling the fire alarm" on Trump and Musk

    The alarming access granted to Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency over sensitive Treasury data raises serious concerns about accountability and the potential misuse of personal information of American citizens.

    Democrats say they're "pulling the fire alarm" on Trump and Musk

    NewsweekNewsweek·2M
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  7. What is USAID, the foreign assistance agency the Trump administration wants to shut down?

    The potential dismantling of USAID raises serious concerns about the future of humanitarian aid and public health initiatives worldwide, as it risks cutting off vital support to millions in need.

    What is USAID, the foreign assistance agency the Trump administration wants to shut down?

    NBC NewsNBC News·2M
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  8. Trump brushes back Musk as Democrats plot DOGE resistance

    The attempt by Musk to dismantle USAID is not just a reckless overreach, but a grave threat to America's national security and international standing.

    Trump brushes back Musk as Democrats plot DOGE resistance

    AxiosAxios·2M
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  9. More Than a Dozen Congressional Democrats Protest Closure of USAID Outside Agency Headquarters at Washington, D.C.

    The abrupt closure of USAID by the Trump administration has triggered a constitutional crisis and raised significant concerns about the future of federal agencies, with lawmakers preparing for immediate legal action to confront what they deem an illegal and reckless move.

    More Than a Dozen Congressional Democrats Protest Closure of USAID Outside Agency Headquarters at Washington, D.C.

    New York SunNew York Sun·2M
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  10. Secretary of State Rubio also tapped as acting head of embattled USAID’s ‘viper’s nest of radical left marxists’

    Rubio's skepticism towards USAID underscores a broader critique of its inefficiency, and his moves suggest a push for significant restructuring to address perceived failures and redundancy within the agency.

    Secretary of State Rubio also tapped as acting head of embattled USAID’s ‘viper’s nest of radical left marxists’

    New York PostNew York Post·2M
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  11. US Secretary of State Rubio says he has become ‘acting director’ of USAID

    The Trump administration's move to cut back on foreign aid while targeting USAID's integrity raises profound concerns about the management of humanitarian assistance, potentially endangering millions of vulnerable lives globally.

    US Secretary of State Rubio says he has become ‘acting director’ of USAID

    Al JazeeraAl Jazeera·2M
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  12. Trump alleges USAID 'fraud' and puts Rubio in charge as Musk targets the agency

    The Trump administration's abrupt overhaul of USAID appears to prioritize political agendas over humanitarian principles, raising significant concerns about the future of foreign aid and international cooperation.

    Trump alleges USAID 'fraud' and puts Rubio in charge as Musk targets the agency

    NPRNPR·2M
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  13. Experts Say a Coup Is Underway as Musk Seizes Control of Government Agencies

    Elon Musk's unprecedented move to seize control of the government’s payment system raises alarming questions about his intentions and the potential consequences for American citizens.

    Experts Say a Coup Is Underway as Musk Seizes Control of Government Agencies

    TruthoutTruthout·2M
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  14. USAID tells employees to stay home hours after Elon Musk said it was going to be shut down

    The abrupt shutdown of USAID has sparked confusion and anxiety among employees, who are left in the dark about the agency's future amidst escalating criticism from high-profile figures.

    USAID tells employees to stay home hours after Elon Musk said it was going to be shut down

    Business InsiderBusiness Insider·2M
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  15. Potential Closure of USAID Draws Anger from Dems; MAGA Praises Act

    The potential closure of USAID by the Trump administration is celebrated by America First Republicans as a necessary step in dismantling a part of the administrative state that they believe has long facilitated corruption and inefficiency in humanitarian aid.

    Potential Closure of USAID Draws Anger from Dems; MAGA Praises Act

    Breitbart NewsBreitbart News·2M
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  16. Musk is a 'special government employee,' the White House confirms

    Musk's involvement in the Trump administration raises serious concerns about the lack of accountability and oversight, especially given the unprecedented power he wields without the typical checks and balances.

    Musk is a 'special government employee,' the White House confirms

    Associated PressAssociated Press·2M
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  17. Democrats push back after Musk says Trump agrees to close USAID and workers are kept out

    The Democratic lawmakers' vigorous opposition to the Trump administration's drastic actions against USAID underscores a troubling shift in U.S. foreign policy that prioritizes political power plays over humanitarian aid, potentially endangering global stability and undermining decades of development efforts.

    Democrats push back after Musk says Trump agrees to close USAID and workers are kept out

    Boston HeraldBoston Herald·2M
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  18. What is USAID and what does it do? The agency Musk, Trump aim to shut down, explained

    Musk's aggressive plans to dismantle USAID reflect a broader agenda to redefine America's role in global aid and shift focus towards a more isolationist approach.

    What is USAID and what does it do? The agency Musk, Trump aim to shut down, explained

    USA TODAYUSA TODAY·2M
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  19. I’m a Federal Worker. Elon Musk’s Government Data Heist Is the Entire Ballgame.

    The ongoing turmoil within the federal workforce under Musk's administration is not just troubling; it is a blatant disregard for the essential public trust and the vital services that civil servants provide, highlighting the dangerous consequences of disrupting established systems for political gain.

    I’m a Federal Worker. Elon Musk’s Government Data Heist Is the Entire Ballgame.

    SlateSlate·2M
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  20. Elon Musk Is Permanently Deleting Government Agencies

    The actions of Elon Musk and his allies signal a dangerous erosion of American bureaucratic integrity, with USAID being the first casualty in a broader assault on government functions that stand as barriers to fascism, underscoring a future where public service is replaced by self-serving agendas.

    Elon Musk Is Permanently Deleting Government Agencies

    Rolling StoneRolling Stone·2M
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  21. Warren questions Bessent over Musk access to Treasury payment system

    The troubling implications of granting access to critical federal payment systems to Musk and his associates raise serious concerns about accountability and the safeguarding of sensitive data in the hands of an unaccountable billionaire.

    Warren questions Bessent over Musk access to Treasury payment system

    Boston GlobeBoston Globe·2M
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  22. USAid headquarters reportedly closed and workers told to stay home

    The Trump administration's aggressive move to close USAid signals a dangerous undermining of one of the largest vehicles for American global humanitarian aid, throwing countless international programs into jeopardy.

    USAid headquarters reportedly closed and workers told to stay home

    The GuardianThe Guardian·2M
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  23. Joe Scarborough Warns FBI, USAID Cuts Help 'Our Enemies'

    The actions of the Trump administration in cutting USAID and gutting the FBI not only strip vital support from the world's poorest but also embolden America's enemies, posing a direct threat to the safety of American citizens.

    Joe Scarborough Warns FBI, USAID Cuts Help 'Our Enemies'

    MEDIAiteMEDIAite·2M
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  24. Secretary of State Rubio Made Acting Administrator of USAID

    The Trump administration's ambitious plans to merge USAID into the State Department reflect a broader strategy to streamline government operations and align spending with the president’s agenda.

    Secretary of State Rubio Made Acting Administrator of USAID

    NewsmaxNewsmax·2M
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  25. Trump administration to shut down USAID, Musk says

    Elon Musk's recent decision to shut down USAID underscores a troubling and radical shift in the Trump administration's approach to government efficiency, suggesting that the administration sees value in dismantling established agencies rather than reforming them.

    Trump administration to shut down USAID, Musk says

    Straight Arrow NewsStraight Arrow News·2M
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  26. Trump 2nd term live updates: Musk 'in the process' of 'shutting down' USAID, he says

    Trump's claims regarding the Kennedy Center highlight a troubling trend in his administration's disregard for established protocols and communication.

    Trump 2nd term live updates: Musk 'in the process' of 'shutting down' USAID, he says

    ABC NewsABC News·2M
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  27. Elon Musk Says Trump Has Agreed to Shut Down USAID

    The U.S. Agency for International Development is facing an alarming push for shutdown, reflecting a chaotic bid from the Trump administration and Elon Musk to dismantle a critical agency that has been a cornerstone of American humanitarian efforts.

    Elon Musk Says Trump Has Agreed to Shut Down USAID

    TIME MagazineTIME Magazine·2M
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  28. Elon Musk says he and Trump are shutting down USAID

    Musk’s assertion that USAID is 'beyond repair' and his desire for its total shutdown reflect a disconcerting willingness to bypass established governmental processes and the checks and balances that underpin democratic governance.

    Elon Musk says he and Trump are shutting down USAID

    CNBCCNBC·2M
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  1. Mother Jones
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  13. Al Jazeera
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  21. Associated Press
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  23. USA TODAY
  24. Slate
  25. Rolling Stone
  26. Boston Globe
  27. The Guardian
  28. MEDIAite
  29. Newsmax
  30. Straight Arrow News
  31. MSNBC
  32. ABC News
  33. TIME Magazine
  34. CNBC

Updated: Feb 3rd, 2025, 8:04 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Tensions rise as President Trump supports Elon Musk's controversial move to close the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), now facing significant backlash from Congress. Senator Brian Schatz has placed a "blanket hold" on all Trump administration State Department nominees in protest, asserting that the shutdown is illegal and undermines U.S. safety and foreign aid. USAID's functions may be merged with the State Department, while officials warn of dire consequences for humanitarian programs worldwide. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio steps in as USAID's acting director amidst widespread staff layoffs and program disruptions.


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