By Noah
Perhaps you don’t know a lot about USAID, but Elon Musk is about to education you.
He’s been posting about it all day, saying it’s a “criminal organization” and it’s “Time for it to die.”
Wow!
Take a look:
USAID is a criminal organization.
Time for it to die. https://t.co/sWYy6fyt1k
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 2, 2025
And again here:
USAID is a criminal organization https://t.co/FY7P52XTYC
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 2, 2025
So….what is USAID?
First let’s start with the official story and then I’ll give you Elon and DOGE’s take:
USAID—the United States Agency for International Development—is the primary U.S. government agency responsible for administering foreign aid and development assistance. Here are some key points about USAID:
- Establishment:
USAID was established in November 1961 by an executive order from President John F. Kennedy. Its creation marked a reorganization of U.S. foreign assistance programs to better address global poverty, promote economic development, and foster democratic institutions.- Mission and Activities:
USAID’s mission is to help save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and promote economic growth around the world. Its work spans a wide range of areas, including:
-
- Humanitarian Assistance: Responding to crises and natural disasters with emergency relief and longer-term recovery efforts.
- Health and Education: Supporting public health initiatives, combating diseases, and enhancing educational opportunities.
- Economic Development: Promoting sustainable economic growth, improving agriculture, and creating market opportunities in developing countries.
- Democracy and Governance: Strengthening institutions, supporting civil society, and fostering good governance practices.
- Annual Budget:
USAID’s funding is determined by the U.S. Congress as part of the federal foreign assistance budget. While the exact figures can vary from year to year, in recent fiscal years the agency’s budget has been in the range of roughly $20–$30 billion. For instance, in some recent fiscal cycles, its budget has been cited as being around $27 billion, reflecting the scope and scale of its global initiatives.