What is USAid?

USAID, which employs approximately 10,000 people, stands as the largest single provider of humanitarian aid worldwide. In the fiscal year 2023 alone, it allocated over $40 million to global relief efforts.

Funding decisions for the agency are made by Congress, with the majority of its budget directed toward international aid and nonprofit organizations. Its initiatives support critical causes such as women’s healthcare in conflict zones, clean water access, and HIV/AIDS treatment programs.

Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Peter Welch has demanded clarification regarding why Musk required access to sensitive data, including taxpayer information.

Despite the controversy, former President Trump has publicly backed Musk, recently telling reporters: “He’s a big cost-cutter. Sometimes we won’t agree with it and we’ll not go where he wants to go. But I think he’s doing a great job. He’s a smart guy. Very smart. And he’s very much into cutting the budget of our federal budget.”

Can Donald Trump actually shut down USAid?

Donald Trump could significantly scale back USAID through executive action, but completely shutting it down would almost certainly require congressional approval.

USAID was originally established in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy and later became an independent agency in 1998, meaning its existence is rooted in legislation. While a president can issue executive orders to cut funding, reorganize operations, or impose restrictions, outright dismantling the agency would likely require Congress to pass new legislation.

According to Just Security, any attempt to shrink USAID would face legal and legislative pushback: “Litigation and congressional oversight are certain to follow, but the question is how effective either will be in the immediate term at stopping the most damaging impacts for USAID’s programs and its employees.”

Challenges could include lawsuits from program beneficiaries, legal actions related to the Impoundment Control Act, and broader resistance from lawmakers. Ultimately, while Trump could weaken USAID’s reach, fully shutting it down would be an uphill battle.