เอลอน มัสก์ เผย ประธานาธิบดีทรัมป์ สนับสนุนการปิด USAID: “มันไม่สามารถซ่อมแซมได้อีกต่อไป”

<h1>Elon Musk and the fate of USAID: A controversial call for dissolution</h1>

<p>In a dramatic and contentious turn of events, Elon Musk, the tech mogul and ally of President Donald Trump, has publicly declared that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is "beyond repair" and should be shut down. This statement comes amidst growing indications that the Trump administration is planning to either eliminate or significantly restructure the 64-year-old agency.</p>

<h2>Musk's stance on USAID</h2>

<p>On Sunday, Musk took to the social media platform X to express his strong criticism of USAID. He labeled the agency as a "criminal organization" and asserted, "Time for it to die." Musk's comments weren't one-off; he compounded his statements by calling USAID "a viper's nest of radical-left marxists who hate America," implying the agency's impending demise.</p>

<h2>Trump administration's plans</h2>

<p>The Trump administration's intentions to restructure or dissolve USAID have been gaining momentum. Reports indicate that the agency might be folded into the State Department, a move being actively considered. Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.) confirmed his collaboration with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to ensure a seamless transition, emphasizing that only 10 to 30 percent of U.S. development funding that USAID manages actually reaches the intended aid recipients.</p>

<h2>Access to classified systems and administrative leave</h2>

<p>Things escalated dramatically over the weekend when representatives from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a group led by Elon Musk—sought access to USAID's classified systems. Initially met with resistance from USAID security officials, DOGE representatives eventually gained significant access to secure locations, including the Office of Security and the Executive Secretariat. This standoff led to the placement of two senior USAID security officials, along with dozens of other employees, on administrative leave.</p>

<h2>Congressional and public reaction</h2>

<p>The actions of DOGE and the potential dismantling of USAID have evoked sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed grave concerns regarding national security implications and the risk of unauthorized access to classified information and personal data of citizens.</p>

<p>Democrats contest that President Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally strip USAID of its autonomy, arguing that any major structural reforms should require congressional approval. However, Trump's potential restructuring could occur without a formal executive order, complicating the legal ramifications.</p>

<h2>Impact on U.S. foreign aid and global consequences</h2>

<p>The possible reduction or elimination of USAID's role in U.S. foreign aid could lead to far-reaching consequences. Former USAID officials and humanitarian organizations warn that such a decision may severely impact U.S. national security interests, potentially allowing rivals like China to fill the resulting void in developing nations. This follows a recent freeze on U.S. foreign aid initiated by the Trump administration, disrupting programs worldwide and forcing many organizations to lay off staff or halt critical operations.</p>

<h2>Historical context and autonomy of USAID</h2>

<p>USAID was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy via an executive order to implement the Foreign Assistance Act. Historically, the agency has maintained significant structural and administrative autonomy, although its policies have been influenced by the State Department. Under former President Joe Biden, USAID's chief, Samantha Power, even held a seat on the National Security Council.</p>

<h2>Republican perspectives and concerns</h2>

<p>While numerous Republicans back the Trump administration's aims to streamline government agencies, some express apprehension regarding the repercussions of dismantling USAID. Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.) stressed the importance of precision in any reforms to ensure that America’s stature and capacity to project soft power globally remain intact.</p>

<h2>Conclusion</h2>

<p>The future of USAID now hangs in the balance as Elon Musk and the Trump administration advocate for its dissolution or substantial restructuring. The controversy surrounding this initiative highlights the deep divisions within the government and among stakeholders concerning the role and efficiency of USAID. As this situation continues to unfold, the potential repercussions on U.S. foreign aid, national security, and global humanitarian efforts remain uncertain.</p>

<p>For more detailed coverage and updates on this developing story, you can follow the latest reports from:</p>
<ul>
    <li><a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/02/musk-usaid-time-00201987">Politico</a></li>
    <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGpESUa3bPU">CBS News</a></li>
</ul>