Washington, D.C. – February 3, 2025 – Several senior security officials at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have been placed on administrative leave following an internal dispute over access to classified information by members of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), officials confirmed.
According to multiple sources familiar with the situation, the controversy erupted when USAID security leaders attempted to prevent DOGE personnel from obtaining sensitive data related to international aid operations. Despite their efforts, members of DOGE were ultimately granted access to the classified materials on Saturday, raising concerns among agency officials about potential breaches of security protocols.
DOGE, an initiative spearheaded by Musk to streamline government operations, has been a subject of both praise and controversy since its inception. While supporters argue that Musk’s involvement could modernize bureaucratic processes, critics warn of potential conflicts of interest and security risks.
USAID has not provided specific details on what classified information DOGE personnel accessed, but an internal review is reportedly underway. The Biden administration has yet to comment on the situation, though government watchdog groups are already calling for an investigation into the incident.
“This raises serious questions about oversight and accountability,” said one former intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The fact that security leaders were sidelined for doing their jobs is deeply troubling.”
As the situation unfolds, USAID has assured staff and stakeholders that national security remains a top priority. Meanwhile, Musk has not publicly addressed the controversy, though he has previously defended DOGE’s mission as a necessary step toward cutting government inefficiencies.
More updates to follow as the investigation progresses.