Washington – Sources revealed that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) placed senior officials on administrative leave after their attempts to prevent a team associated with Elon Musk from accessing sensitive information within the agency. This decision sparked widespread controversy in political and security circles, amid fears of unconventional interventions in government institutions.

Details of the Incident

According to a report published by CNN, the officials, John Voorhees and Brian McGill, who are senior security staff at the agency, objected to an attempt by a team from the Government Efficiency Office (DOGE), supported by Musk, to access sections containing confidential information within the agency's headquarters. Despite the officials confirming that the team did not have the necessary security clearances, team members managed to enter the restricted areas, prompting management to temporarily suspend the officials.

Reactions and Criticisms

In a comment via his platform "X" (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk sharply criticized the U.S. Agency for International Development, describing it as "an ineffective organization that needs to be completely restructured," which was seen as part of efforts to reduce the agency's role and possibly merge it with the U.S. Department of State.

For her part, Katie Miller, a member of the DOGE advisory board, confirmed that the team did not access any confidential information without legal clearances, adding that the decision to place the officials on leave is not solely related to this incident, but comes within the context of organizational changes within the agency.

Concerns in Government Circles

The dismissal of Voorhees and McGill raised widespread concern within the U.S. Congress, where several Democratic lawmakers expressed fears that the Trump administration aims to weaken the agency and undermine its work in providing international assistance. Former agency officials also warned that such decisions could negatively impact U.S. national security, especially if sensitive information is not protected from external interventions.

Resignation Within the Agency and Increasing Tensions

Amid this crisis, Matt Hobson, the newly appointed chief of staff of the agency, resigned from his position, reflecting the tension within the institution. The reason for his resignation was not officially announced, but informed sources suggested that the decision is related to growing disputes regarding the future of the agency and its role under the current administration.

The Agency's Future Amid Changes

These developments come amid speculations about the possibility of fundamental reforms at the U.S. Agency for International Development, or even merging it with the State Department, in a step that could significantly change the mechanism of American foreign aid delivery.

While the White House asserts that these measures aim to improve the agency's efficiency and increase transparency, observers believe that these changes could affect the credibility of the United States on the international stage, especially regarding humanitarian and developmental aid.

Conclusion

The situation within the U.S. Agency for International Development remains tense, with rising concerns about external interventions and the potential loss of independence. While the U.S. administration has not issued an official clarification regarding the final stance on the agency's future, this step may be a precursor to a major restructuring in American aid institutions in the upcoming period.