NAIROBI, Kenya – Billionaire Elon Musk has taken his latest swing at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), calling it a “criminal organization” in a fiery social media post on Sunday.
His remarks echo President Donald Trump, who has labeled the agency as being “run by radical lunatics” and suggested its future is under review.
Musk, who has positioned himself as Trump’s most influential backer, made the claim on X (formerly Twitter) in response to a video alleging USAID’s involvement in “rogue CIA work” and internet censorship.
“USAID is a criminal organization,” Musk wrote to his 215 million followers.
Doubling down without citing evidence, he followed up with another post: “Did you know that USAID, using YOUR tax dollars, funded bioweapon research, including COVID-19, that killed millions of people?”
Officials have previously dismissed similar claims as Russian disinformation, but Musk’s post has reignited concerns over his increasing influence in Trump’s government shake-up.
Trump’s Crackdown on Foreign Aid Spending
Trump’s administration has already made moves against USAID, an independent agency that manages a $42.8 billion budget for global humanitarian relief and development programs.
The former president, known for his America First policies, initially froze all foreign aid spending for three months, later issuing waivers for food and emergency relief while keeping broader funding uncertain.
Speaking on Sunday, Trump suggested major structural changes could be on the horizon.
“USAID has been run by a bunch of radical lunatics, and we’re getting them out… and then we’ll make a decision (on its future),” Trump stated, without providing specifics.
Reports indicate that his team is considering folding USAID into the State Department, a move that would significantly reduce its independence.
The Rise of Musk’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’
While USAID faces uncertainty, Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—yes, that’s really its name—has been making waves in Washington’s bureaucracy.
Founded under the United States Digital Service, DOGE is a temporary 18-month entity with an ambitious mission: streamlining government operations and cutting wasteful spending.
Despite its limited official status, Musk’s team has reportedly been granted extensive access to federal records.
According to CNN, two senior USAID security officials were placed on forced leave after denying DOGE representatives access to classified files, personnel records, and internal security systems.
Meanwhile, USAID’s official X account has been disabled, and its website remains offline, raising even more questions about the agency’s fate.
Kenya Caught in the Crosshairs
Kenya, a longtime beneficiary of USAID funding, now finds itself among the countries facing uncertainty as Trump’s administration signals a potential overhaul—or even dismantling—of the agency.
USAID has played a critical role in healthcare, education, and economic development in Kenya, supporting everything from HIV/AIDS programs to small business initiatives.
A funding freeze or reallocation could significantly impact key projects, particularly in public health and infrastructure development.
As the US reevaluates its global aid strategy, Kenya must take this moment as a wake-up call.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta emphasized the need for economic self-sufficiency in his response to the crackdown on USAID.
With growing uncertainty in international aid, Kenya should double down on self-reliance, strengthening local industries, innovation, and intra-Africa trade to build a future that is less dependent on external assistance.
The shifting global landscape is a stark reminder that sustainable development starts from within.
