
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) gains access to classified USAID information, leading to suspension of top security chiefs and agency turmoil.
Quick Takes
- USAID security leaders suspended for denying DOGE access to classified data
- Elon Musk criticizes USAID, calling for its shutdown
- Trump administration targets USAID, freezing foreign assistance
- DOGE accessed sensitive information at USAID and Treasury Department
- Concerns raised over unauthorized access to classified information
USAID Security Chiefs Suspended Amid Controversy
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) finds itself embroiled in controversy as two top security chiefs were placed on administrative leave. John Vorhees and Brian McGill, USAID’s director of security and his deputy, were suspended after refusing to grant Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) access to secure systems containing classified information.
Despite the initial refusal, DOGE employees managed to gain access to USAID’s internal systems, including critical databases and financial management software. This unauthorized access has raised serious concerns about the security of classified information and personal data.
Elon Musk and Trump Criticize USAID
Elon Musk, the head of DOGE, has been vocal in his criticism of USAID. On social media, Musk called for the agency’s shutdown, referring to it as a “criminal organization.” President Trump has supported Musk’s actions and criticized USAID as being run by “radical lunatics.”
“USAID is a criminal organization. Time for it to die.” – Musk
The Trump administration has targeted USAID as part of a larger strategy to dismantle federal institutions. This has resulted in a freeze on foreign assistance and the shutdown of many USAID programs. The agency’s website has gone offline, and numerous employees have been fired or furloughed.
DOGE’s Controversial Actions
DOGE, formed to find ways to reduce the federal workforce, cut programs, and slash regulations, has taken aggressive steps in its mission. DOGE representatives, claiming to be State Department employees, demanded access to USAID offices. When initially denied access, they threatened to call U.S. Marshals.
“No classified material was accessed without proper security clearances.” – Katie Miller
DOGE’s actions have extended beyond USAID. The department has also accessed sensitive information at the Treasury Department, including Social Security and Medicare systems. This broad access to classified information without proper security clearances has raised alarms among lawmakers and agency officials.
LOL how many hundreds of billions of dollars have been laundered like criminal politicians and bureaucrats from "USAID"? Massive scandal. https://t.co/LmjDGOJM6B
— RPGPundit❌ (@KasimirUrbanski) February 2, 2025
Impact on USAID and Its Mission
USAID, the largest global donor of humanitarian aid, manages billions in assistance across over 100 countries. The current turmoil has severely disrupted its operations. Employees feel unsafe and surveilled, and there are concerns about contractors not being paid due to system disruptions.
“The warp-speed of this mafia-like takeover has shaken USAID staff to the core.” – a senior official for the agency
The future of U.S. international development efforts remains uncertain. There are discussions about placing USAID under the State Department, which may violate existing laws. This potential consolidation, coupled with the freeze on foreign assistance, has created a crisis for global humanitarian efforts.
Congressional Concerns and Reactions
Democrats have expressed serious concerns over the unauthorized access to classified information and personal data. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., called the reports of individuals without appropriate clearance accessing classified USAID spaces “incredibly serious and unprecedented.”
As the situation continues to unfold, questions arise about the legal implications of DOGE’s actions and the future of USAID. The agency’s staff are calling for support from Republican senators who have historically backed USAID’s mission. The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between government efficiency efforts and the preservation of established institutions and their critical global functions.
Sources:
- Elon Musk says President Donald Trump has ‘agreed’ USAID should be shut down
- USAID security leaders removed after refusing Elon Musk’s DOGE employees access to secure systems
- Turmoil inside USAID: Staff to work from home as Musk seeks to shut down agency – ABC News
- More USAID staff ousted as Trump administration dismantles aid agency