Top Security Officials at Aid Agency Put on Leave After Denying Access to Musk Team

Two top security officials at the U.S. Agency for International Development were placed on administrative leave on Saturday night for denying Elon Musk’s representatives access to internal systems, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Additionally, the agency’s chief of staff, Matt Hopson, a recent Trump administration appointee, has resigned, as per two officials.

The clash occurred when employees from Mr. Musk’s task force sought entry to a secure area of the agency’s offices for classified material, leading to the confrontation with John Voorhees and Brian McGill, U.S.A.I.D.’s security directors.

There is speculation that U.S.A.I.D. may be merged into the State Department in a reduced capacity under President Trump’s budget cuts.

President Trump criticized the agency, referring to it as being run by “radical lunatics,” while praising Elon Musk’s intelligence.

Mr. Musk revealed that President Trump supported the decision to shut down the agency, expressing his strong opinions on social media.

Elon Musk’s representatives demanded access to financial and personnel records at U.S.A.I.D., leading to tensions within the agency.

There is uncertainty and concern among U.S.A.I.D. employees as more suspensions and layoffs are expected.

Katie Miller, a member of Musk’s initiative, stated that no classified material was accessed without proper security clearances amidst the turmoil at the agency.

Jason Gray, the acting administrator, has been demoted, further adding to the uncertainty and fear among U.S.A.I.D. employees.

An email instructing agency employees to work from home on Monday raised concerns about the future of U.S.A.I.D. under the current administration.

Democratic senators have expressed concern about the upheaval at U.S.A.I.D. and the attempt by Musk representatives to access classified material, calling for updates on the situation.

Employees of U.S.A.I.D. are bracing for significant staff reductions following a week of turmoil at the agency.

U.S.A.I.D., with a budget of $38.1 billion, faces uncertainty as the agency’s autonomy is in question under the current administration.

The State Department’s involvement in foreign aid efforts and the removal of signs at the agency’s headquarters highlight the changes underway.

Nonprofit organizations supported by U.S.A.I.D. are concerned about the impact of potential agency dismantling.

The potential collapse of U.S.A.I.D. raises concerns among foreign policy veterans and human rights organizations.

Elon Musk’s stance against U.S.A.I.D.’s democracy-promotion programs has drawn criticism and sparked discussions about the agency’s future.

The agency’s role in global affairs and its funding sources have been subjects of debate and controversy.

The political implications of U.S.A.I.D.’s operations and funding sources have led to tensions and scrutiny from various governments and organizations.

President Vladimir Putin’s actions against U.S.A.I.D. in Russia illustrate the international implications of the agency’s work.

Concerns about the agency’s future and the impact on global aid efforts have raised alarms among humanitarian organizations and foreign policy experts.