The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has officially closed its headquarters in Washington, D.C., with most employees locked out of the agency’s systems, according to multiple media reports. The move follows President Donald Trump’s repeated criticisms of USAID’s leadership, calling them “radical lunatics” and suggesting the agency was beyond repair.
According to an internal email obtained by CNN, USAID staff were informed that the Ronald Reagan Building, where the agency is based, would be closed to personnel starting Monday. Employees were directed to work remotely, except for those in essential roles. The Associated Press confirmed that over 600 employees lost access to their computer systems overnight.
The closure comes after Trump’s administration initiated a 90-day suspension of most U.S. foreign aid programs, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that all assistance would undergo a review to determine whether it makes “America safer, stronger, or more prosperous.” Rubio suggested that halting USAID programs had already led to “a lot more cooperation” from foreign aid recipients.
Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and has been a vocal critic of USAID, revealed in an X Spaces discussion that Trump personally agreed to shut down the agency. Musk has accused USAID of engaging in corrupt activities, including financing bioweapon research, and described it as a “criminal organization.”
Over the weekend, reports emerged that DOGE representatives accessed USAID’s internal systems for an audit. ABC News sources claim that inspectors took control of databases containing sensitive financial records, reports on ongoing programs, and congressional performance tracking systems. USAID’s website and social media accounts were also taken offline amid speculation that the agency may be merged into the State Department.
In response to the DOGE audit, two senior USAID security officials were reportedly placed on forced leave after attempting to block access to classified documents. Additionally, around 60 senior career officials at the agency were placed on administrative leave last week.
The future of USAID remains uncertain, with Trump stating that his administration is in the process of “getting them out” before making a final decision on the agency’s fate. The move marks a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign aid policy, signaling a potential overhaul of how the country engages in international development.
