USAID Security Leaders Suspended After Blocking Musk’s Team from Classified Info
Two top security officials at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have been placed on leave after refusing to grant access to classified materials to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), according to current and former U.S. officials.
The incident, which unfolded over the weekend, has sparked controversy as Musk’s team gained access to restricted intelligence reports despite lacking proper security clearance.
Musk’s Team Gains Access to Classified USAID Information
The two security officials, John Voorhees and his deputy, Brian McGill, denied access to DOGE team members because they lacked the required security clearances. However, sources confirm that Musk’s team eventually gained entry to the classified materials on Saturday.
Musk, in response to the controversy, took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize USAID:
“USAID is a criminal organization. Time for it to die.”
He followed up with additional posts targeting the agency. Meanwhile, Kate Miller, an advisory board member for DOGE, defended Musk’s team, insisting that no classified material was accessed “without proper security clearances.”
DOGE’s Controversial Operations Expand to Treasury Department
This latest USAID incident comes just a day after DOGE conducted a similar operation at the Treasury Department. The team allegedly gained access to sensitive information, including the Social Security and Medicare customer payment systems.
The Washington Post reported that a senior Treasury official resigned in protest over Musk’s team accessing the department’s data.
Trump & Musk’s Plan: Restructuring the Federal Government
Musk created DOGE in cooperation with the Trump administration, with the stated goal of:
- Firing federal employees
- Cutting government programs
- Reducing federal regulations
USAID has been one of the most targeted agencies in Trump’s ongoing efforts to overhaul the federal government. On Sunday, Trump spoke to reporters, saying:
“It’s been run by a bunch of radical lunatics. And we’re getting them out.”
Additionally, the USAID website mysteriously disappeared on Saturday, raising further questions about the agency’s fate.
Massive Cuts to USAID: Foreign Aid & Humanitarian Programs Halted
The Trump administration, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has implemented an unprecedented freeze on foreign assistance, effectively shutting down:
- Humanitarian aid programs
- Development projects
- Security assistance worldwide
This move has led to thousands of layoffs within aid organizations and widespread furloughs within USAID.
The U.S. has historically been the world’s largest humanitarian donor, with USAID managing billions of dollars in aid for over 100 countries. However, under the new policies, much of that funding has been halted.
DOGE’s Influence at USAID Headquarters
USAID employees report that visitors with special badges have been asking questions within the agency’s Washington headquarters, fueling speculation that Musk’s team is actively monitoring staff.
Senator Elizabeth Warren Sounds the Alarm
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren condemned Trump’s actions, accusing him of allowing Musk to access personal information and shut down critical government funding.
“We must do everything in our power to push back and protect people from harm,” Warren said in a statement on Sunday.
She did not provide specific details on what actions Congress might take in response.
What’s Next?
The events at USAID and the Treasury Department highlight the growing power of Musk’s DOGE team and the Trump administration’s aggressive approach to restructuring the federal government.
As tensions rise between the White House, federal agencies, and Congress, questions remain:
- Will more government officials resist DOGE’s operations?
- What other agencies might be targeted next?
- Could these actions face legal challenges?
For now, the fate of USAID, federal aid programs, and government transparency remains uncertain.
