Trump Administration Plans to Integrate USAID into State Department, Appoints Elon Musk to Oversee
In a major restructuring move, newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump has devised a plan to end the independent status of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and integrate it with the U.S. State Department. According to international media reports, citing a senior White House official, the Trump administration aims to reduce USAID’s expenditures and enhance its efficiency through this merger.
Reports indicate that Trump has assigned the responsibility of overseeing USAID’s integration to American tech tycoon and his associate, Elon Musk. Musk, who has recently been appointed as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is tasked with reducing unnecessary federal government spending and eliminating wasteful operations.
White House sources suggest that President Trump will soon notify the U.S. Congress about the integration plan for USAID through an official memorandum.
The decision comes after Elon Musk’s strong remarks against USAID, particularly after his representatives were allegedly denied access to the agency’s documents and information. Musk publicly labeled USAID a “criminal organization” on Twitter, stating that its “time has come to an end” and claiming that President Trump was ready to shut down the agency.
The announcement has raised concerns about the future of USAID and its international operations. Previously, after taking office, Trump had imposed a temporary ban on aid programs, significantly impacting USAID’s global initiatives.
Experts believe that the termination of USAID and its integration with the State Department aligns with Trump’s broader vision to refocus American resources domestically. By limiting foreign aid, Trump has emphasized that these programs should adhere to his “America First” policy.
