Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Monday that he is assuming the role of acting administrator of the US Agency for International Development, affirming the de-facto control of the humanitarian agency by the State Department. This development followed Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual tasked with revamping the federal government, stating that President Donald Trump had approved the agency’s closure.
Rubio emphasized that the functions of USAID must align with US foreign policy and criticized it as an unresponsive agency. While he confirmed his role as acting administrator, he mentioned that he has delegated the authority to another individual. It is unclear if Jason Gray, the previous acting USAID administrator, is the person Rubio referred to.
Rubio stressed that USAID should adhere to State Department policy directives, alleging its refusal to do so. He acknowledged the importance of USAID’s work for national security and US interests but emphasized that all activities must align with the national interest and foreign policy objectives.
Amid Trump and Musk’s efforts to reform the federal government, concerns arose about the fate of USAID. Trump and his supporters accused the agency of partisanship, while Democrats disputed this claim and questioned Trump’s authority to dismantle USAID. The agency’s headquarters in Washington was closed, with employees instructed to stay home, and its branding removed from the premises.
Lawmakers and aid workers anticipated Trump’s decision to close USAID and integrate it into the State Department, a move that seemed imminent following Musk’s comments. Musk indicated during a conversation on his platform, X Spaces, that he discussed shutting down USAID with the president, who agreed with the proposal.
USAID employees received an email directing them not to report to the Washington office on Monday. Trump expressed his disdain for the agency’s operations during a press briefing, criticizing its management and hinting at a decision on its future. Efforts to reach the White House and USAID for further comment were ongoing.
In an email obtained by CNN, it was stated that employees will be working remotely tomorrow, except for those with essential on-site and building maintenance roles who were individually contacted by senior leadership. Thousands of personal services contractors and civil servants experienced a sudden loss of access to email and USAID systems overnight. This has caused confusion among employees who are seeking answers but have not received any information. Personal services contractors, who hold diplomatic passports and represent the agency, are supposed to receive a 15-day notice before termination, but this has not been provided. Some USAID contractors on official work travel find themselves stranded in sensitive and risky locations without clarity on how they will return home.
An insider from a USAID annex building mentioned that they are unsure whether they should report to work on Monday. The source also shared that senior leaders in their department have been dismissed. Another USAID worker mentioned that managers advised them to pack their belongings in anticipation of losing access on Monday or Tuesday. Despite the uncertainty and turmoil, some employees have expressed determination to continue their work.
Over the weekend, two top security officials at USAID were placed on administrative leave due to their refusal to grant access to Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) personnel. The DOGE personnel sought access to security systems, personnel files, and classified information, which only individuals with security clearances and a specific need are allowed to access. Eventually, the DOGE personnel gained access to the headquarters. A statement from Katie Miller, who was appointed to DOGE by Trump, asserted that no classified material was accessed without proper clearances.
USAID employees were recently informed that the State Department now has access to their Google Drive and all internal documents. Democratic congressional staffers expressed opposition to Trump’s decision to dissolve USAID, emphasizing that the authority to create or dissolve agencies lies with Congress and not the executive branch.
The development agency is being established as its own independent entity, with one individual explaining that it requires a specialized focus and leadership separate from other areas of work. This unique agency plays a crucial role in building long-term relationships and capacity in critical areas such as global health, which in turn safeguards Americans. Efforts are currently underway to remove any visual representations of the agency, including logos and photos, from its offices worldwide.
According to sources familiar with the situation, all visuals showcasing the agency’s humanitarian work in developing countries have been taken down from lobbies, galleys, hallways, and communal spaces. Additionally, individual bureaus and offices have been instructed to remove all USAID artwork and signage. Concerns have been raised about the recent removal of these displays, with one employee expressing feelings of uncertainty and instability following the changes.
In a recent development, around 60 senior USAID staff members were placed on leave due to allegations of non-compliance with a temporary freeze on foreign aid ordered by President Trump. This move has resulted in additional junior staff and contractors being placed on furlough, further impacting the agency’s operations. The agency’s website has also been taken offline, redirecting visitors to a new page on the State Department’s website.
Established in 1961, USAID serves as the US government’s primary humanitarian arm, distributing billions of dollars annually to address poverty, diseases, famines, and natural disasters worldwide. It also plays a key role in promoting democracy and development through support of NGOs, independent media, and social initiatives. Recognized as a vital soft power tool for fostering international relations, USAID complements the national security strategy alongside the Defense Department and State Department under the “three D” pillars of defense, diplomacy, and development.
Please note that this information has been updated with additional details and background context. For more news and updates, visit CNN.com and create an account to subscribe to newsletters.
