What is USAID and what does it do? The agency Musk, Trump aim to shut down, explained
Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump's administration, has set his sights on dismantling the federal agency USAID.
Following a week of turmoil as senior officials were put on leave, Musk announced on social media Monday that he and Trump plan to shut down the agency entirely.
The United States Agency for International Development is the world's largest foreign aid agency. Trump had already ordered a global freeze on most U.S. foreign aid as he moves to fulfill his campaign promise of "America First" policies.
Here is what to know about USAID, the agency Musk said he is feeding "into the wood chipper."
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What does the USAID do?
The USAID assists countries whose residents are recovering from disaster or trying to escape poverty.
As of Monday morning, the government website was unavailable, but the archived website states the agency's mission is to "promote and demonstrate democratic values abroad, and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world."
"In support of America's foreign policy, the (USAID) leads the U.S. Government's international development and disaster assistance through partnerships and investments that save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people emerge from humanitarian crises and progress beyond assistance."
In fiscal year 2023, USAID disbursed $72 billion in assistance worldwide, Reuters reported. The funding went to everything from women's health in conflict zones to clean water, HIV/AIDS treatments, energy security and anti-corruption work.
USAID had a staff of more than 10,000 people.
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Who funds the USAID?
Congress funds the USAID. In fiscal year 2024, the agency received more than $44 billion in federal funding, accounting for 0.4% of the entire federal budget, according to USAspending.gov.
Is USAID part of the US State Department?
No. USAID was created as an independent agency in 1961 under an executive order signed by President John F. Kennedy.
As part of the apparent dismantling of the USAID, multiple outlets have reported that the Trump administration could fold it into the Department of State. The move would have a significant impact, as USAID has provided aid outside of the U.S.'s diplomatic relationships, Reuters reported.
A pared-down version of the USAID website appeared to have been published on the State Department's website, as the New York Times previously reported.
What is the full name of USAID?
The United States Agency for International Development.
Contributing: Reuters
Kinsey Crowley is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected], and follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is USAID? Explaining the agency Musk, Trump aim to shut down