Musk's Influence on U.S. Government: Cuts to Foreign Aid Agency and Public Backlash Intensifies

USAID Faces Major Cuts: From 14,000 Employees to Just 290, Raising Concerns Over Humanitarian Aid

The U.S. government's foreign aid operations have come under fire as Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), pushes for drastic reductions in personnel at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This move has led to concerns that humanitarian efforts in poverty-stricken and conflict-ridden regions around the world may come to a halt. Musk, who is not an elected official, has been accused of overstepping his authority by influencing government finances and staffing decisions. Public opinion is increasingly turning against his involvement.

Major Reductions at USAID: Impacts on Global Humanitarian Aid

According to a report by The New York Times on February 6, 2025, USAID, which traditionally employed around 14,000 people, is now facing a massive reduction to just 290 staff members. This reduction is causing alarm among humanitarian organizations that rely on U.S. foreign aid for critical operations in areas like Sub-Saharan Africa, Syria, and Afghanistan. At the heart of the issue is the suspension of USAID’s operations, including the indefinite furlough of most staff beginning February 7.

Atul Gawande, a former public health official in the Biden administration, criticized the cuts, pointing out that only 294 employees remain at the agency, with many regional offices being drastically underfunded. For instance, the African division will only have 12 staff members, and Asia will have just 8.

Elon Musk and Donald Trump: A Shared Agenda for Reducing Foreign Aid

Musk's attack on USAID is not an isolated event but part of a broader campaign that includes vocal support from President Donald Trump. In a series of social media posts, Musk referred to USAID as a "criminal organization" and accused it of being wasteful, claiming that the agency was politically motivated by "radical leftists." Trump also criticized USAID, calling it a "radical left-wing group" and praised Musk for his efforts to curb the agency’s influence.

Founded during the Kennedy administration in 1961, USAID has been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy, tasked with providing humanitarian aid and promoting economic development in developing nations. It plays a crucial role in addressing global poverty and disease, supporting countries like Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Somalia. However, with the current cuts, there are fears that U.S. support for these nations could significantly decline.

The Impact on Global Hunger and Humanitarian Relief

The timing of these cuts is particularly worrying as they coincide with a global hunger crisis. According to Reuters, humanitarian organizations are already struggling to respond to food shortages in conflict zones. A former high-ranking USAID official, Marcia Wong, revealed that the agency’s halting operations have delayed the delivery of 50 tons of emergency food aid in regions like Sudan and Gaza. In addition, financial aid intended for essential supplies has also been suspended.

Despite the concerns, there are predictions that even if USAID is not formally shut down, its functions will be significantly diminished. On February 3, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Rubio hinted that USAID might be restructured and moved under the State Department’s umbrella, which could alter its operational framework.

Legal and Political Reactions to Musk’s Government Involvement

Musk’s expanding role in U.S. government affairs has sparked legal challenges and widespread political opposition. A group of attorneys general from 13 U.S. states filed a lawsuit to prevent Musk’s team from accessing sensitive government systems, such as those containing personal information about federal employees. These legal actions stem from concerns about privacy and the potential for unauthorized access to confidential data.

The public sentiment surrounding Musk's involvement in government affairs has also soured. A recent survey by YouGov, conducted from February 2-4, 2025, found that only 13% of Americans supported Musk exerting significant influence over the Trump administration, a sharp decline from 27% in a similar poll conducted in November 2024. Nearly half of the respondents, 46%, opposed Musk’s involvement in U.S. government affairs.

Growing Public Opposition to Musk’s Political Power

Public protests against Musk’s interference in government operations are gaining momentum. In New York, California, and Arizona, lawmakers have led demonstrations against Musk’s role in government efficiency reforms, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer denouncing the situation. Schumer called out Musk for operating "behind closed doors" and undermining citizens' privacy and financial security.

In a related development, Democratic Congressman Greg Casar proposed a resolution to "fire Elon Musk" as part of a broader push to reduce government inefficiency. Casar’s proposal has garnered support among other Democratic leaders, who are using Musk's actions to rally opposition against the Trump administration.

The Future of U.S. Foreign Aid and International Relations

The dramatic cuts to USAID and Musk's increasing influence over government operations raise significant questions about the future of U.S. foreign aid. While the Trump administration has long been critical of foreign aid spending, the abrupt shift under Musk’s leadership may have long-term consequences for U.S. diplomacy and international relations. The effectiveness of U.S. aid in addressing global poverty, public health crises, and humanitarian disasters could be severely compromised, particularly as adversaries like China continue to expand their global influence through foreign investment and aid.

As tensions rise, both domestic and international observers are watching closely to see how the U.S. will navigate this turbulent period of governmental change.