Musk, Trump slam USAID as 'corrupt,' 'incompetent'br br US President Donald Trump and billionaire Tesla founder Elon Musk criticize the foreign aid agency USAID during a White House press conference on Feb. 11, 2025, calling it 'incompetent' and 'corrupt.' Musk, recently appointed head of the Department of Government Efficiency, acknowledged that USAID 'does some worthy things' but argued the agency does 'too much' to influence elections in 'dubious ways' that “'do not stand the light of day.' Trump responded by reaffirming his commitment to oversight, stating he was elected to ensure honesty in government. He added that his scrutiny would extend beyond USAID to areas like education and the military. Following the order, USAID staff were placed on leave, instructed not to report to headquarters, and its signage was removed or covered. The agency’s website went offline, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio was appointed acting administrator.