Musk says Trump ‘shutting down’ U.S. aid agency as Rubio claims takeover

Sub : IR

Sec: Int Org

Context:

Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and a controversial close advisor to President Donald Trump, proposed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) should be shut down, as part of his effort to reduce the size of the U.S. government.
He proposed creating a new agency, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to oversee how government funds are allocated, arguing that it could bypass traditional budgetary processes controlled by Congress.

About USAID:

USAID is an independent U.S. government agency responsible for administering foreign aid and development assistance to countries around the world.
It was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy with the aim of advancing global development, promoting democracy, and alleviating poverty.
Headquarters: Washington, D.C.

Role and Importance of USAID:

USAID is a key part of U.S. foreign policy, funding health and emergency programs in around 120 countries. The agency is involved in various humanitarian efforts, such as disaster relief and promoting health, education, and economic development abroad.
It also plays a significant role in U.S. “soft power,” helping to shape global perceptions.

Criticism:

Democrats, who hold the minority in Congress, raised alarms over what they view as an unconstitutional power grab by Musk and Trump.
They argue that Congress has the authority to control the federal budget, including the allocation of funds for foreign aid, and that Musk’s proposed “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) oversteps this constitutional responsibility.
A key point of contention is that Musk is neither a federal employee nor an official government official, making his role and the accountability of his proposed agency unclear.