Top USAID Officials Put On Leave Amid Access Dispute

A man walks past boxes of USAID humanitarian aid at a warehouse at the Tienditas International Bridge on the outskirts of Cucuta, Colombia, Feb. 21, 2019, on the border with Venezuela. (AP Phot

Over the weekend, two high-ranking security officials at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) were placed on administrative leave following a confrontation with personnel from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Sources revealed that DOGE personnel attempted to access USAID headquarters in Washington, DC, and were met with resistance from the security officials. The DOGE team insisted on gaining access to USAID security systems, personnel files, and even classified information, despite lacking the necessary clearances.

After threats to involve law enforcement, the DOGE personnel eventually gained entry to the headquarters, raising concerns about potential breaches of security protocols and access to sensitive information.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen calls for clarification on national security implications.

DOGE personnel tried to access USAID headquarters without clearances.

Speculation about merging USAID into State Department sparks criticism.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen expressed alarm over the incident, calling for immediate clarification on any national security implications and announcing plans to convene a bipartisan group of Senators to address the matter.

Speculation has arisen that President Trump's administration may be considering merging USAID into the State Department, with reports of efforts to dismantle the independent agency. This move has sparked criticism from aid officials and Democratic lawmakers, who argue that such actions would require congressional approval.

Established in 1961, USAID plays a crucial role in distributing humanitarian aid, combating poverty, addressing health crises, and supporting democracy worldwide. Its potential absorption into the State Department has raised concerns about the loss of specialized expertise and soft power capabilities that USAID uniquely provides.

Amidst growing uncertainty and internal turmoil, dozens of USAID officials, including the Director of Security and his deputy, have been placed on leave, further fueling fears of deliberate destabilization within the agency.

The situation underscores broader tensions between the Trump administration's cost-cutting agenda and the vital role that USAID plays in advancing US foreign policy objectives through development initiatives.