Washington DC: Two senior USAid security officials have been placed on administrative leave for obstructing the Doge team, part of Elon Musk's efficiency initiative, from accessing sensitive data. The situation escalated when a deputy threatened to involve US marshals to gain access.

John Voorhees, USAid's security director, and his deputy denied Doge members entry to restricted areas, while reports surfaced that Doge took control of the access system, potentially locking out employees and seeking sensitive personnel files. They may have also attempted to access Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs).

The USAid has since placed numerous senior staff on leave and furloughed employees within its humanitarian assistance bureau. Despite Doge claims that no classified material was accessed illegally, some reports indicate access to intelligence documents occurred. Over 100 career staff at USAid are currently on leave amid ongoing suspensions.

A USAid official described a tense atmosphere, with employees fearing job termination. As the largest global aid donor, USAid allocated $72 billion in fiscal year 2023 for humanitarian initiatives, although Trump's "America First" policy has led to significant foreign aid freezes. Musk has criticized USAid as a “criminal organization,” advocating for its closure, echoing Trump’s sentiments on reducing federal workforce size.

Following these events, USAid’s chief of staff resigned amid fears of downsizing and political strife between appointees and career staff. Reports reveal that six engineers from Doge were assigned to access USAid's systems, raising alarms among officials. Plans to merge or dissolve USAid could threaten congressional authority, exacerbating risks to national security and damaging America’s global credibility, leading to condemnation from senior Senate Democrats.

Netizens React

There have been mixed reactions from the netizens regarding the leave put on the officials. While some are calling out Elon Musk's Doge administration, some are in favour with the downsizing of USAid.