WASHINGTON, Feb 4 — The Trump administration said it would lock US Agency for International Development workers out of their headquarters in downtown Washington DC for a second day today as it moved to shutter the agency, prompting two Democratic senators to vow to block confirmations of State Department nominees in protest.
Yesterday’s lockout added to the chaos that has consumed the agency, which distributes billions of dollars of humanitarian aid around the world, since Trump ordered a freeze on most US foreign aid hours after taking office on January 20.
USAID has been targeted for closure by billionaire Elon Musk, who has been tasked by the president with downsizing the federal government. A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Trump was considering merging USAID into the State Department and had "entrusted Elon to oversee the efficiency of this agency".
A group of Democratic lawmakers, cheered by dozens of furloughed agency employees and contractors, held a protest in front of the USAID headquarters, according to an internal email seen by Reuters.
Another internal email seen by Reuters went out late yesterday, telling employees at the agency's headquarters and a second site in Washington to work remotely again today, adding to concerns voiced by staff members and lawmakers.
"We don't have a fourth branch of government called Elon Musk," said US Representative Jamie Raskin, speaking outside the building.
Hundreds of USAID programs covering billions of dollars worth of lifesaving aid across the globe came to a grinding halt after Trump on January 20 ordered a freeze of most US foreign aid, saying he wanted to ensure it is aligned with his ‘America First’ policy.
If USAID were put under the State Department, it would likely have dramatic consequences for the distribution of aid from the United States, the world's largest single donor.
Musk has been increasingly critical of USAID, calling it a left-wing agency unaccountable to the White House. Musk critics say his accusations are often lodged without evidence and may be ideologically driven.
— Reuters
