Over the weekend, two high-ranking security officials at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) were placed on administrative leave following a contentious incident involving personnel from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
According to multiple sources, DOGE personnel attempted to access systems at the USAID headquarters in Washington, DC, but were denied entry by USAID Director of Security John Voorhees and his deputy. The DOGE personnel reportedly threatened to involve law enforcement, specifically US Marshals, to gain access to security systems, personnel files, and potentially classified information.
These events have raised concerns about the intentions of the Trump administration, with rumors circulating that President Donald Trump may be considering an executive order to merge USAID into the US State Department, a move that has been criticized by Democratic lawmakers as potentially illegal.
USAID plays a crucial role in distributing billions of dollars annually worldwide to combat poverty, provide healthcare, and respond to emergencies such as famines and natural disasters. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 individuals (excluding contractors), the agency operates in approximately 130 countries, with a significant portion of its staff stationed overseas.
