Rubio assumes control of USAID amid shutdown moves by Musk and Trump

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Monday that he is the acting administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), marking a State Department takeover of the independent agency.

The news came hours after Elon Musk and President Donald Trump agreed to shut down the agency that provides foreign aid to other countries.

Rubio said he would consult Congress to overhaul the agency rather than completely shutting it down.

While he did not confirm a full merger, Rubio criticized USAID’s leadership for “insubordination” and acting against US interests.

He delegated authority to Pete Marocco, President Donald Trump’s appointee, who has faced past criticism of intentionally dismantling USAID. Marocco also froze most foreign aid.

Alignment with Trump’s agenda
The move aligns with Trump’s push to streamline government spending and eliminate perceived redundancies. USAID, with over 10,000 employees, oversees food aid, emergency relief and health programs in over 100 countries. It plays a critical role in global relief efforts.

In fiscal 2023, the agency managed roughly $40 billion.

Musk and Trump’s push to shut down USAID
Billionaire Elon Musk, a vocal critic of USAID, has called it a “criminal organization” and pledged to shut it down.

The Trump administration had already imposed a near-total freeze on foreign aid, leading to staff furloughs and confusion among global aid organizations. 

USAID’s website has been offline, and employees were recently informed that its headquarters will be closed. Over 100 workers and Democratic lawmakers protested outside the Washington head office on Monday.

Lawmakers push back, warn of national security risks
Democratic lawmakers condemned the move, calling it an “illegal takeover.” Some pledged to block State Department nominations until USAID’s future is secured.

Critics warn that dismantling the agency could weaken US diplomatic influence and national security.