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Lawmakers Blocked from USAID Headquarters Amid Controversial Shutdown

Democrats Push Back as Trump-Backed Musk Move Sparks Outrage

Democratic lawmakers were turned away from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) headquarters on Monday, escalating tensions over the agency’s abrupt closure orchestrated by billionaire Elon Musk with backing from President Donald Trump. The move, which saw personnel from Musk’s newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) seize control of USAID’s systems, has ignited legal and political battles over the future of U.S. foreign aid.

Congressional Protest Outside Shuttered Agency

A group of Democratic senators and representatives gathered outside the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C., where USAID is housed, to condemn what they called an illegal takeover.

“We are not going to let this injustice happen,” said Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia. “Congress created this agency with the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and if you want to change it, you got to change that law.”

Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland echoed the concerns, telling reporters that he had been consulting legal experts over the weekend. “This is a clear violation of our law,” he said, addressing a crowd that included USAID employees and protesters holding signs such as “USAID Must Be Saved” and “USAID Saves Lives.”

Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii took his opposition a step further, announcing he would block all of Trump’s State Department nominees going forward.

USAID headquarters Washington D.C.

Following their press conference, lawmakers, including Reps. Jamie Raskin, Johnny Olszewski, Don Beyer, and Ilhan Omar, attempted to enter USAID’s offices but were denied access. Employees received notifications instructing them not to report to work on Monday.

USAID’s Role and Its Sudden Shutdown

The USAID workforce of roughly 10,000 employees—two-thirds of whom are stationed overseas—manages billions of dollars in humanitarian and development programs across approximately 130 countries. In fiscal year 2023, the agency oversaw an estimated $40 billion in spending.

According to the Congressional Research Service, USAID is defined as an “independent establishment” operating under the policy guidance of the Secretary of State. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking in El Salvador on Monday, asserted that he is now the acting administrator of USAID.

“USAID is involved in programs that run counter to what we’re trying to do in our national strategy,” Rubio said, claiming that past attempts to reform the agency had failed.

Musk, GOP Senators Discuss Shutdown on X Spaces

Early Monday, Musk appeared on X Spaces—his platform’s live audio discussion feature—where he claimed Trump supported his decision to shutter USAID. The conversation, reported by The Associated Press, included GOP Sens. Joni Ernst of Iowa and Mike Lee of Utah.

The agency’s website and social media accounts went dark on Saturday, signaling a complete operational halt.

Security Breaches and Internal Resistance

Over the weekend, individuals identifying as DOGE personnel reportedly entered USAID’s headquarters to access its computer systems and files. CNN reported that at least two security officials who initially refused to grant access were placed on administrative leave.

Democratic lawmakers have since demanded a full accounting from Rubio regarding USAID’s status and the legal justification for the takeover. The coming weeks are likely to see legal challenges and congressional hearings as Democrats push back against what they view as an unlawful dismantling of a key U.S. humanitarian agency.

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