Tech billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has taken dramatic action against the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), effectively seizing control of the agency over the weekend, according to senior congressional sources. Over 50 senior USAID staffers were reportedly put on administrative leave and subjected to a gag order, preventing them from communicating externally without permission.

Furthermore, signage was removed from USAID's headquarters in Washington, D.C., and DOGE assumed control of the agency's computer systems. USAID, responsible for distributing foreign aid and development assistance globally, managed around $40 billion in appropriations last year.

President Trump praised Musk's cost-cutting efforts, stating his belief that Musk is "doing a great job" and is "very much into cutting the budget." This followed a report that two top USAID security officials were placed on leave after refusing to hand over classified materials to DOGE, citing insufficient security clearance for the DOGE team. DOGE subsequently gained access to the classified information, including intelligence reports.

Musk strongly criticized USAID on social media, calling it a "criminal organization" and a "viper's nest of radical-left Marxists." He also suggested the agency was involved in funding coronavirus research in Wuhan. President Trump echoed these sentiments, referring to USAID staff as "radical lunatics." Some observers have questioned if the moves are intended to place USAID under the State Department for greater oversight.

Senator Cory Booker condemned the actions, claiming they are "recklessly and illegally dismantling USAID" and putting lives at risk. This follows a recent 90-day pause on U.S. foreign assistance ordered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, based on a Trump executive order, which has impacted numerous programs and led to layoffs within aid organizations.