USAID is facing an abrupt closure under a new government directive.
Notably, Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, and President Donald Trump have decided to close the U.S. Agency for International Development, deeming it inefficient and corrupt, Fox News reported.
Subsequently, the announcement was made known to USAID employees through an email informing them that their Washington headquarters would be shut on Monday, February 3, 2025. Moreover, some found themselves unable to access the agency’s computer systems the night prior. In addition, the USAID website also went offline on the preceding Saturday.
The closure is part of a broader initiative by President Trump, who recently signed an executive order titled "Unleashing prosperity through deregulation" aimed at reducing governmental oversight, which included the shuttering of USAID. In addition, Elon Musk, who has been vocal about his criticisms of USAID on social media platform X, labeled the agency a "criminal organization" and compared it to a "bowl of worms," suggesting it was beyond saving.
Subsequently, during a SpaceX event in Brownsville, Texas, on November 19, 2024, President Trump agreed with Elon Musk's assessment that USAID should be entirely shut down. Musk expressed his admiration for Trump, saying, "Frankly, I love the guy. He's great."
Meanwhile, Atul Gawande, a former official at USAID, vehemently criticized the decision to dismantle the agency. He highlighted the critical work USAID was undertaking globally, particularly the management of serious health crises. Before the shutdown, the agency was actively involved in controlling an Ebola outbreak in Uganda and a widespread bird flu outbreak that affected 49 countries.
Aside from halting important health initiatives, the closure has resulted in substantial staffing cuts. In particular, senior and contractual employees crucial to malaria and child immunization programs are either being terminated or have already been dismissed. Additionally, a memorial wall dedicated to USAID employees who died in service was also removed. Such actions have sparked considerable opposition and concern regarding global health security.
Dr. Atul Gawande described the dire consequences of these disruptions: "This pause is not a pause. It’s the destruction of the agency." Moreover, he voiced his concerns over the disrespect and fear among the current USAID employees.
Two weeks ago, I was combating diseases. We had 21 serious outbreaks at the time worldwide. Three are serious now: an Ebola outbreak in the capital of Uganda. Bird flu has broken out in 49 countries. Our efforts to contain them have all been shut down.
Dr. Atul Gawande lamented the severe reduction in experienced staff: "The top 3 layers of experienced employees have been removed. All contract employees have been or will be terminated...2/3 of the malaria staff, child immunization experts. This kills our capacity. It’s insane to break this. It’s cruel and it does our country enormous damage."
The closure of USAID disrupts global initiatives tied to U.S. foreign policy and humanitarian efforts, with ongoing effects on health responses and international relations.
In addition, critics, including Atul Gawande, argue that halting USAID’s operations benefits global competitors and weakens the U.S. position in international healthcare and crisis management.
Furthermore, this shutdown marks a major shift in U.S. foreign aid policy, driven by leadership seeking reform. As a result, the full implications, particularly for global health and safety, are still unfolding, raising questions about the balance between government efficiency and humanitarian needs.
