President Donald Trump has directed U.S. agencies to collaborate with Elon Musk in an effort to shrink the federal workforce, identifying government employees for potential layoffs and eliminating unnecessary functions.
Standing alongside Trump in the Oval Office, Musk addressed reporters, raising concerns about USAID’s financial influence in foreign elections.
Musk and Trump Criticize USAID’s Effectiveness
Musk expressed skepticism about USAID’s impact, stating that while some efforts were worthwhile, the overall “bang for the buck” was poor. He also claimed that USAID’s activities had unduly influenced elections in ways that “do not stand the light of day.”
Trump reinforced Musk’s remarks, calling USAID “corrupt and incompetent” and emphasizing the need for honest and legitimate financial oversight.
Slovak PM Accuses USAID of Political Interference
Meanwhile, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has written a letter to Musk, alleging that USAID funding has been used to manipulate Slovakia’s political landscape.
In a Facebook post, Fico claimed that USAID provided millions of dollars in subsidies to NGOs, media outlets, and journalists with the intent of favoring certain political parties.
These developments have intensified debates over USAID’s role in global politics, adding pressure on the agency to justify its spending and transparency.
