Executive Branch Takes Unprecedented Step: Shutting Down USAID

In a shocking move, billionaire Elon Musk, who is not elected to office, is shutting down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). On Monday morning, employees of USAID received an email instructing them to stay out of their headquarters, citing a lack of control over the agency.

The email was signed by Gavin Kliger, one of the young engineers working with Musk who helped him gain control of the Office of Personnel Management last week. Musk stated that he and his team had "dug into" USAID and found it wanting, likening it to a "ball of worms" that cannot be repaired. He concluded that the agency must be eliminated.

Musk’s statement was met with criticism from lawmakers, including Senator Chris Murphy, who described the move as "illegitimate" and "unconstitutional." Murphy stated that a President cannot eliminate an appropriated federal agency by executive order, and that such an action would be characteristic of a "despot" seeking to enrich themselves at the expense of taxpayers.

Despite the backlash, USAID is on the chopping block. Russian politician and former president Dmitry Medvedev expressed support for Musk’s decision, stating that it was a "smart move" to eliminate the agency’s "Deep Throat" and warning that the "notorious Deep State" might try to swallow Musk whole.

Understanding the Role of USAID

USAID is a tool of American soft power, spending billions of dollars abroad to influence other countries. However, the agency has not always spent its funds wisely, with billions lost to corruption and foolish nation-building schemes. Despite these challenges, USAID has also done significant good, helping to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS in Africa, building bathrooms in Ghana, and providing disaster relief teams to help after hurricanes devastated the Caribbean.

However, Trump and Musk do not seem to understand the concept of soft power or care about America’s reputation abroad. They appear to prioritize a more aggressive and expansionist approach, seeking to seize territory and punish long-time allies with regressive tariffs.

The Consequences of Shutting Down USAID

The end of USAID would mean the collapse of American soft power abroad and a decline in American influence. It would also undermine the agency’s efforts to help people in need, particularly in Africa and the Caribbean. The move is likely to have significant consequences for the United States and its relationships with other countries.

In conclusion, the shutdown of USAID by Elon Musk and Donald Trump is a unprecedented move that raises serious concerns about the role of the executive branch in American politics. It is essential that lawmakers and the public hold them accountable for their actions and ensure that the agency’s mission is protected.