Overview

• Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, declared the closure of USAID with President Trump's backing, calling the agency 'irreparable' and 'criminal.'
• The agency, created in 1961, has been a cornerstone of U.S. global aid, managing billions in humanitarian and development programs across 120 countries.
• Critics argue the closure is illegal, as USAID was established by Congress and cannot be dismantled by executive order without legislative approval.
• The shutdown has already halted critical programs, including malaria prevention in Uganda and maternal health initiatives in Afghanistan, with widespread humanitarian impacts anticipated.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been appointed interim head of USAID, citing 'insubordination,' while employees have been locked out of systems and operations suspended.