Trump and Musk’s Move to Dismantle USAID Sparks Showdown with Democrats

[Social Media]

 

The Trump administration, in collaboration with billionaire ally Elon Musk, has set off a fierce political battle by moving to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The agency, which has played a crucial role in funding education and fighting starvation overseas for decades, now faces an uncertain future as congressional Democrats denounce the move as illegal and prepare for a court fight.  

Trump speaks on the USAID!

He says it’s run “by a bunch of radical lunatics”, and that we are “getting them out”.

Trump is digging in the exact area the Deep State do not want him to dig. The USAID holds the paper trail that proves their criminality!

pic.twitter.com/Pr5Izt44SM

— Clandestine (@WarClandestine) February 3, 2025

 

The escalating conflict came to a head on Monday when a group of Democratic lawmakers attempted to enter USAID headquarters but were blocked by federal officers. The dramatic scene underscored the extent of the standoff, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted himself as the agency’s acting administrator, despite USAID having functioned as an independent body for sixty years.  

USAID was funding:

$1.5M for DEI in Serbia
$70K for a DEI musical in Ireland
$47K for a trans opera in Colombia
$32K for a trans book in Peru
pic.twitter.com/QfSCJc2JjM

— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) February 3, 2025

 

Since taking office, President Donald Trump has wasted no time in enacting sweeping changes to the federal government, but his administration’s aggressive push to shut down USAID has become one of the most contentious flashpoints. The effort has also highlighted concerns over Musk’s growing influence in Washington. Outside the agency’s headquarters, where federal officers and yellow tape barred entry, a group of lawmakers addressed supporters, with Musk’s declaration still reverberating: “We’re shutting it down.”  

 

“This is a constitutional crisis we are in today,” said Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy, reflecting the deep alarm among lawmakers.  

 

Maryland Democrat Jamie Raskin added, “We don’t have a fourth branch of government called Elon Musk. And that’s going to become real clear.”  

The impact of the move has already been felt worldwide. Thousands of USAID employees have been laid off, and vital international programs have been abruptly terminated in the two weeks since Trump returned to the White House and imposed a sweeping freeze on foreign assistance. Despite the U.S. allocating less than one percent of its budget to foreign aid—proportionally less than some other nations—the administration has justified the move with broad allegations of fraud, though no concrete evidence has been provided.  

 

“They went totally crazy, what they were doing and the money they were giving to people that shouldn’t be getting it and to agencies and others that shouldn’t be getting it, it was a shame, so a tremendous fraud,” Trump told reporters from the Oval Office.  

 

Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland sharply criticized the decision, calling it “an illegal power grab” and “a corrupt abuse of power that is going on.” He further warned, “It’s not only a gift to our adversaries, but trying to shut down the Agency for International Development by executive order is plain illegal.”  

 

With court challenges already in motion, Democrats are strategizing to block Trump’s State Department nominees until the USAID shutdown is reversed. However, their position has been weakened after last November’s elections left them in the minority in both the House and Senate, limiting their ability to counter the administration’s moves.  

 

The announcement of USAID’s closure came while Rubio was on an official trip to Central America. Speaking to reporters in San Salvador, Rubio claimed he was now acting administrator of the agency but had delegated his authority to Peter Marocco. A political appointee with a controversial past at USAID during Trump’s first administration, Marocco faced staff protests over his push for program cuts and internal investigations that, according to ambassadors and senior officials, significantly hampered the agency’s operations.  

 

Based on a report by AP 2025-02-04

 

 

[Jingthing]

Under maga America First means America Alone. The winners? Putin and Xi.

[thesetat]

34 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Under maga America First means America Alone. The winners? Putin and Xi.

You know... you post your Anti-Trump hate always. But, i only read about the politicians complaining for the most part. So far Trumps actions with USAID seem appropriate. They need to look at how the spending is being used. I do not see too many normal people complaining about his actions. When millions are being wasted at their expense. Audits need to take place and accountability needs to be shown. The Dems can complain all they want to but the people want change and a better place to live with a better future and lower costs. This is Trumps time to do what he can to appease his campaign promises with which he was voted for to do. You do not even give it a chance because your hate rhetoric only sees something to complain about. 

Are you even an American or are you just someone wanting something to complain about? 

If you are American then you, like everyone else should give the man a chance to show his reasons. So far he has found just cause for his actions. There is wasteful spending of the taxpayers money causing the national debt to increase drastically each year. 

[KhunLA]

About time the USA got out of the regime change and war mongering business.  Big win for the USA tax payer.  Stop all foreign aid, as borrowing money to give away is just stupid.

[Jingthing]

8 minutes ago, thesetat said:

You know... you post your Anti-Trump hate always. But, i only read about the politicians complaining for the most part. So far Trumps actions with USAID seem appropriate. They need to look at how the spending is being used. I do not see too many normal people complaining about his actions. When millions are being wasted at their expense. Audits need to take place and accountability needs to be shown. The Dems can complain all they want to but the people want change and a better place to live with a better future and lower costs. This is Trumps time to do what he can to appease his campaign promises with which he was voted for to do. You do not even give it a chance because your hate rhetoric only sees something to complain about. 

Are you even an American or are you just someone wanting something to complain about? 

If you are American then you, like everyone else should give the man a chance to show his reasons. So far he has found just cause for his actions. There is wasteful spending of the taxpayers money causing the national debt to increase drastically each year. 

The stated goal is to completely shut down USAID. Not to audit it.

Get back to me when you actually know what's going on.

[thesetat]

1 minute ago, Jingthing said:

The stated goal is to completely shut down USAID. Not to audit it.

Get back to me when you actually know what's going on.

Wrong, you need to look more closely. They do not plan to shut it down, not all of it. They already stated they will continue with some Aid programs that help Americans. Welfare, student loans, etc... You should read into more of it

[impulse]

5 minutes ago, thesetat said:

You should read into more of it

 

Not necessary.  CNN and MSDNC will tell him everything he needs to think.

 

[Jingthing]

1 minute ago, impulse said:

 

Not necessary.  CNN and MSDNC will tell him everything he needs to think.

 

America shooting itself in it's foot to help fund more tax cuts for Musk and Trump's other oligarchs.

 

Trump's 'plans' to shut down USAID will erode American influence in increasingly dangerous world | US News | Sky News

[Yagoda]

Trump hasnt shut down USAID, it exists under the aegis of the state department.

 

Folks contending that aid for things like food, demining (I just wrote an email to the state department about the demining here and how it needs funding), or medical will be permanently interrrupted is a hysterical, uniformed liar.

 

Whats done is our tax dollars paying for Drag Operas in Columbia, LGBTSDEWR organizations in the Balkans, condoms in Gaza, jobs for Dem donors and contractors, abortions, pronouns, america-hate, antisemtism and such like.

 

And if you deny the above, again, you are a liar.

 

 

[Yagoda]

59 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

The stated goal is to completely shut down USAID. Not to audit it.

Get back to me when you actually know what's going on.

The USAID is still "open for business" under the aegis of the State Department. Lies as usual from the number 1 America hater on this Forum.

[JonnyF]

6 hours ago, Social Media said:

The agency, which has played a crucial role in funding education and fighting starvation overseas for decades, now faces an uncertain future as congressional Democrats denounce the move as illegal and prepare for a court fight.  

 

What a surprise. 

 

The Dems resorting to lawfare again. Will they never learn?

 

Good move by Trump. Vets starving on the streets while money is being spaffed away on overseas Wokery. Time to end this nonsense.  

 

[Purdey]

I for one like the idea of America defunding foreigners to pay for domestic veterans, free healthcare and education, better infrastructure, cheaper eggs and so on. I look forward to the forthcoming announcements on how the savings are making life better for Americans. More power to them.

[Digitalbanana]

19 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Time to end this nonsense.  

End cancer research and nonsense like that? Exacerbate global crises and undermine American leadership nonsense?

 

The suspension of aid programs will harm American businesses and economic interests abroad, particularly in regions where USAID plays a critical role in promoting stability and development. Just up the road here on the Myanmar border comes to mind.

[JonnyF]

2 minutes ago, Digitalbanana said:

End cancer research and nonsense like that?

 

Yes, all cancer research will cease immediately.

 

Great point. 😄

[Will B Good]

5 hours ago, thesetat said:

Wrong, you need to look more closely. They do not plan to shut it down, not all of it. They already stated they will continue with some Aid programs that help Americans. Welfare, student loans, etc... You should read into more of it

 

What does the I stand for again?.....oh I know....it still means international but only in the sense it is help solely for international Americans living abroad.

[Yellowtail]

6 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

What does the I stand for again?.....oh I know....it still means international but only in the sense it is help solely for international Americans living abroad.

55555555555

[riclag]

6 hours ago, KhunLA said:

About time the USA got out of the regime change and war mongering business.  Big win for the USA tax payer.  Stop all foreign aid, as borrowing money to give away is just stupid.

 

The party has promoted billions to helping NGO’s  and other countries nonsense spending on the American Taxpayer dime.

Personally speaking it would be advantageous to see the Democrat Party investigated and if found guilty 

of sponsoring & Funding Terrorism, their organization must also be designated as such.

 

https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/2024-democratic-party-platform

[illisdean]

LOL....simpleton liberal lying media mob MSNBC claims US is currently undergoing a "hostile takeover of the US Gov't"....there's no end to democrat stupidity even after getting trashed in humiliation Nov 5 2024.

 

 

 

[riclag]

6 hours ago, Yagoda said:

Trump hasnt shut down USAID, it exists under the aegis of the state department.

 

Folks contending that aid for things like food, demining (I just wrote an email to the state department about the demining here and how it needs funding), or medical will be permanently interrrupted is a hysterical, uniformed liar.

 

Whats done is our tax dollars paying for Drag Operas in Columbia, LGBTSDEWR organizations in the Balkans, condoms in Gaza, jobs for Dem donors and contractors, abortions, pronouns, america-hate, antisemtism and such like.

 

And if you deny the above, again, you are a liar.

 

 

Brilliantly executed  for all our international members to see !

Well said!

[KhunLA]

1 hour ago, Digitalbanana said:

End cancer research and nonsense like that? Exacerbate global crises and undermine American leadership nonsense?

 

The suspension of aid programs will harm American businesses and economic interests abroad, particularly in regions where USAID plays a critical role in promoting stability and development. Just up the road here on the Myanmar border comes to mind.

You apparently have no idea what USAIID funds.   'aid' is not part of the plan.   Priority is regime change.  Aid / fund protests, disruption and political unrest  in other countries, in the guise of promoting freedoms & democracy.   Then follow up with a coup, if new elections don't work, till they put a puppet in that they can control.

[Yellowtail]

Why should foreign aid not be under control of the State Department? 

 

 

[KhunLA]

Foreign aid should be offered, when there is extra in the budget.  After ALL USA CITIZENS are taken care of .... AND, the deficit, national debt is paid off.

 

You don't borrow money to give it away.   Especially to countries that don't even need it, or don't even like the USA.

[Yellowtail]

6 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Foreign aid should be offered, when there is extra in the budget.  After ALL USA CITIZENS are taken care of .... AND, the deficit, national debt is paid off.

 

You don't borrow money to give it away.   Especially to countries that don't even need it, or don't even like the USA.

And no aid should go to anyone working against the interest of the US. 

[cdemundo]

The obvious target in the discretionary budget is defense.

But none of these heroes seem to want deal with that.

 

 "In 2023, the US military spent approximately $820.3 billion"

https://usafacts.org/articles/how-much-does-the-us-spend-on-the-military/

 

"Federal spending for international affairs, ... agencies such as the State Department, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)...In fiscal year 2023, the government spent ...$84 billion" on these programs.

https://www.pgpf.org/article/how-much-does-the-government-spend-on-international-affairs/

 

If you want to rein in your household spending do you look at minor expenditures, for example expenses for salt and pepper for the kitchen, or do you look at typically greater costs such as your electric bill?  

If they were really trying to rein in Federal spending they would be looking at defense, often referred to as the "bloated defense budget".

 

"Who Benefits Most From a Bloated Pentagon Budget? The Weapons Industry."

https://www.thenation.com/article/world/weapons-industry-national-defense-strategy/

 

The military budget isn't keeping the US safe as much as keeping weapons manufacturers rich.

If you have a tear in you eye for soldiers, sailors and airmen be aware the money is going to Lockheed Martin, RTX, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and General Dynamics.

 

[Yellowtail]

4 minutes ago, cdemundo said:

The obvious target in the discretionary budget is defense.

But none of these heroes seem to want deal with that.

 

 "In 2023, the US military spent approximately $820.3 billion"

https://usafacts.org/articles/how-much-does-the-us-spend-on-the-military/

 

"Federal spending for international affairs, ... agencies such as the State Department, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Peace Corps, which are all non-military initiatives that work to improve international relations. In fiscal year 2023, the government spent ...$84 billion was for international affairs."

https://www.pgpf.org/article/how-much-does-the-government-spend-on-international-affairs/

 

If you want to rein in your household spending do you look at minor expenditures, for example expenses for salt and pepper for the kitchen, or do you look at typically greater costs such as your electric bill?  

If they were really trying to rein in Federal spending they would be looking at defense, often referred to as the "bloated defense budget".

"If you want to rein in your household spending do you look at minor expenditures, for example expenses for salt and pepper for the kitchen, or do you look at typically greater costs such as your electric bill?"

 

You keep the electric on and quit going to Starbucks. 

 

A lot of cost savings will be coming to defense spending.  

[Screaming]

"USAID is a criminal organization," Musk previewed on social media. He continued, "Did you know that USAID, using YOUR tax dollars, funded bioweapon research, including COVID-19, that killed millions of people?"

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Trump earlier also discussed the issue, with his charge the agency 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)."

 

Good for Trump, time to dismantle an agency bent on giving away the hard earned wages of the citizens of the United States. The socialist UK can take up the mantle of giving money to other nations for nothing in return. 

[RubenRemus]

8 hours ago, thesetat said:

You know... you post your Anti-Trump hate always. But, i only read about the politicians complaining for the most part. So far Trumps actions with USAID seem appropriate. They need to look at how the spending is being used. I do not see too many normal people complaining about his actions. When millions are being wasted at their expense. Audits need to take place and accountability needs to be shown. The Dems can complain all they want to but the people want change and a better place to live with a better future and lower costs. This is Trumps time to do what he can to appease his campaign promises with which he was voted for to do. You do not even give it a chance because your hate rhetoric only sees something to complain about. 

Are you even an American or are you just someone wanting something to complain about? 

If you are American then you, like everyone else should give the man a chance to show his reasons. So far he has found just cause for his actions. There is wasteful spending of the taxpayers money causing the national debt to increase drastically each year. 

Foreign aid has always been a strategy to counter Cold War soft power from the Soviets and Chinese with Western soft power. The American aid mechanism is the best in the world, and anyone who supports completely dismantling US aid infrastructure better come with more of an argument than "saving money" and "inclusion is bad,"

[illisdean]

2 hours ago, KhunLA said:

You apparently have no idea what USAIID funds.   'aid' is not part of the plan.   Priority is regime change.  Aid / fund protests, disruption and political unrest  in other countries, in the guise of promoting freedoms & democracy.   Then follow up with a coup, if new elections don't work, till they put a puppet in that they can control.

USAID will die a rapid death as it should.

 

 

[Yellowtail]

1 hour ago, RubenRemus said:

Foreign aid has always been a strategy to counter Cold War soft power from the Soviets and Chinese with Western soft power. The American aid mechanism is the best in the world, and anyone who supports completely dismantling US aid infrastructure better come with more of an argument than "saving money" and "inclusion is bad,"

No one is suggesting "...completely dismantling US aid infrastructure...". 

 

The plan, as I understand it, is to move it into the State Department, and review what's going where. 

 

NGOs that work against the interest of the US, need to be cut off.