Staff at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have been instructed to stay out of the agency’s Washington headquarters after billionaire Elon Musk announced that former President Donald Trump had agreed with him to shut it down, according to a notice distributed to employees early Monday.
Musk, Trump, and some Republican lawmakers have increasingly criticized USAID, which oversees humanitarian, development, and security programs in more than 120 countries. They have accused the agency of promoting liberal causes.
USAID employees said approximately 600 staff members were locked out of the agency’s computer systems overnight. Those still able to access the system received emails stating that headquarters would be closed to agency personnel on Monday, Feb. 3.
Democratic lawmakers have pushed back against the move, arguing that Trump lacks the constitutional authority to dismantle USAID without congressional approval.
USAID plays a key role in delivering global humanitarian aid, supporting economic development, and fostering peace and security in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.