A sudden executive decision by two powerful figures sends shockwaves through a major government agency.

According to Daily Mail, billionaire Elon Musk has abruptly shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development with President Donald Trump's approval, locking out 600 staffers and shuttering the agency's D.C. headquarters.

The swift closure came after Musk led a civilian review of the federal government and determined USAID was "beyond repair." Staff members discovered they were locked out of their computer systems overnight, while those still with access received emails instructing them to stay away from the headquarters building on Monday, February 3.

Security officials placed on leave after classified documents dispute

Tensions escalated in the days leading up to the shutdown when two top USAID security officials were put on administrative leave. The officials had refused to grant access to classified materials to members of Musk's Department of Government Efficiency team, citing their lack of proper security clearance.

John Voorhees, USAID's director of security, and his deputy Brian McGill faced removal from their positions after attempting to protect sensitive information.

Members of Musk's DOGE team eventually gained access to the classified areas on Saturday despite initial resistance from security personnel. The situation grew more serious when security officers were reportedly threatened with action by the federal Marshals Service when they tried to deny entry to DOGE staff lacking proper clearance. This confrontation led to the resignation of the recently appointed USAID chief of staff, Matt Hopson.

The classified information in question included intelligence reports and personal data about Americans working at USAID. While DOGE spokesperson Katie Miller stated no classified material was accessed without proper clearances, multiple sources familiar with the situation expressed concern about the handling of sensitive documents.

Agency operations halted amid dramatic leadership changes

USAID's role in managing over $40 billion in appropriations during Fiscal Year 2023 came to an abrupt halt. The agency's website was taken offline, with all URLs displaying browser error messages. This technical shutdown effectively ceased the organization's ability to coordinate humanitarian and development assistance across 130 countries.

Musk addressed the situation in an audio-only appearance on X, explaining his assessment of the agency. He claimed the problems were too deeply rooted to fix through reform measures.

Musk said about the agency's condition:

It became apparent that it's not an apple with a worm it in. What we have is just a ball of worms. You've got to basically get rid of the whole thing. It's beyond repair.

International aid community responds to sudden closure

Former Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes expressed strong opposition to the shutdown, warning of severe global consequences. He emphasized the decision would negatively impact America's international standing while potentially strengthening China's influence abroad.

The closure affects thousands of employees beyond the 600 initially locked out of systems. As of 2016, USAID reported over 10,000 employees on its payroll. The agency's budget request for the current fiscal year was $28.3 billion for foreign assistance programs.

Senior officials from U.S.-based aid organizations voiced concerns about the future of humanitarian assistance. Many worried the focus on "emergency" aid might signal an end to other forms of international development support.

Next steps unfold for displaced workforce

The sudden closure left hundreds of career staff in limbo, with nearly 100 senior USAID employees placed on leave in the past week alone. Almost 30 staff members in the agency's Legislative and Public Affairs bureau lost access to their email accounts overnight.

President Trump has suggested that while he supports Musk's cost-cutting initiatives, he sometimes needs to moderate his ally's more ambitious proposals. Trump acknowledged Musk's intelligence while noting they don't always agree on the extent of budget reductions.

Reports indicate the Trump administration may be considering integrating USAID's remaining functions into the State Department, though specific plans have not been officially announced.

Current situation leaves lasting impact

The closure of USAID marks a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign aid policy under the Trump administration. The agency's shutdown occurred through the coordinated efforts of President Trump and Elon Musk, who determined the organization required complete dismantling rather than reform.

The immediate impact affected 600 staffers locked out of agency systems, while thousands more employees face uncertain futures. As the situation continues to develop, questions remain about the future of American foreign assistance and the fate of ongoing humanitarian programs in 130 countries previously supported by USAID.