Trump and Musk Announce Closure of USAID, Sparking Legal and Humanitarian Concerns
The abrupt shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development disrupts global aid programs and raises questions about the legality of executive authority.
- 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.
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