Elon Musk Declares Plan to Shut Down USAID, Sparking Constitutional Debate
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has announced plans to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), a move that could set the stage for a major legal and political showdown. Musk, who leads President Donald Trump’s government efficiency initiative, made the declaration during a late-night audio session on his social media platform, X.
“We’re shutting it down,” Musk stated bluntly, later adding, “We’re in the process of shutting down USAID.” He emphasized that the decision had the “full support of the president” and claimed he had repeatedly confirmed Trump’s approval before moving forward.
The White House has yet to officially comment on Musk’s announcement, but Trump has previously criticized USAID, calling it “run by a bunch of radical lunatics.” While he stopped short of confirming plans to dismantle the agency, his administration has already frozen nearly all U.S. foreign aid pending a 90-day review.
A Battle Over Authority
Musk did not clarify the legal grounds for unilaterally shutting down a federal agency without congressional approval. The move would likely face stiff opposition, as USAID’s budget—approximately $40 billion in 2023—is allocated by Congress. The agency, established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, has long been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign assistance.
Some Trump officials have reportedly explored placing USAID under the jurisdiction of the State Department, a move that legal experts and Democratic lawmakers argue would violate the law governing the agency’s independence. The potential elimination of USAID would also trigger a debate over the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, which restricts the president’s ability to withhold congressionally approved funds.
Chaos Inside USAID
The announcement follows internal upheaval at USAID. Over 50 career civil servants were placed on administrative leave last week, and on Saturday, the agency’s security director and his deputy were also suspended after attempting to prevent Musk’s team from accessing secure systems. According to sources, Musk’s staff threatened to call U.S. Marshals before eventually gaining access.
The situation has left federal employees in turmoil, with many questioning the future of one of the country’s primary humanitarian and development agencies.
Musk Pushes for Radical Deregulation
Beyond USAID, Musk hinted at broader plans to strip down federal regulations. “Regulations should be default gone,” he declared during the X discussion, though he did not specify whether his remarks reflected personal opinion or administration policy.
He also stressed urgency, stating, “This is our shot. This is the best hand of cards we’re ever going to have. Now or never.”
The Road Ahead
With legal challenges looming, Congress could block any attempt to eliminate USAID, setting up another high-stakes battle between the Trump administration and lawmakers. The move could also face judicial scrutiny, especially if challenged under the constitutional separation of powers.
For now, the fate of USAID—and the broader reach of Musk’s influence in Trump’s administration—remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: Washington’s political landscape is bracing for yet another storm.