Musk claims USAID involved in ‘covering up corruption’

(MENAFN) Elon Musk has accused the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) of corruption and attempting to cover up its actions after two senior security officials at the agency were placed on leave. The incident occurred when a team of inspectors from the Department of government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk is involved with, sought to review classified materials at USAID. Security officials initially denied the inspectors access, claiming they lacked the necessary clearance, but Musk dismissed these claims, suggesting it was a cover-up to conceal corruption.

After some delay, the inspectors gained access to the materials, including personnel records and intelligence reports. The USAID officials involved, John Vorhees and his deputy Brian McGill, were placed on leave. Musk further attacked the agency in a series of posts, calling USAID a “criminal organization” and accusing it of using taxpayer money to fund bioweapon research, including the development of COVID-19. These claims align with Musk’s previous allegations about USAID's involvement in controversial projects.

In a separate development, the USAID website and its X account went offline over the weekend, sparking speculation about a possible merger with the Department of State. The DOGE, created by former President Donald Trump, aims to cut $1 trillion in federal spending by 2026 and has already claimed to save $1 billion per day. Musk’s department has also been granted full access to the U.S. Treasury Department’s sensitive payment system, marking another controversial move in his push for greater oversight of government operations.

MENAFN04022025000045015687ID1109165119