WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — USAID employees were told to stay away from the agency’s Washington headquarters Monday as staffers reported being locked out of internal systems overnight, following an announcement by billionaire Elon Musk that President Trump had agreed to shut down the agency.
A memo to staff told them to stay home unless they performed “essential on-site and building maintenance functions,” a report by ABC News said. At least two workers who tried to go into headquarters were stopped by security. Later in the morning, officers in uniform from the Department of Homeland Security sealed off the lobby with yellow tape reading “Do Not Cross.”
Musk, who co-chairs the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), said early Monday on X Spaces that USAID was “beyond repair.” He added, “We’re shutting it down.” The comments followed reports that DOGE staff had attempted to access USAID offices in the Ronald Reagan Building on Friday night, demanding entry. After initially being denied, the group reportedly threatened to call the U.S. Marshals Service before ultimately gaining access.
This situation has escalated the internal conflict within USAID. Senior staff has been locked out of systems and two top security officials have been placed on leave after they refused to turn over classified material to Musk’s team, according to The Associated Press.
An official of USAID spoke to ABC News, saying the staff was rattled by the “mafia-like takeover” described by some. Democrats have also claimed that Trump cannot legally close down the agency without an act of Congress.
USAID has been on the receiving end of constant attacks from Trump. Sunday night, he referred to it as a “radical” agency, reiterating his plan to reform U.S. foreign aid.
