Washington - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) headquarters in Washington officially closed on Monday (3/2) after Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) chief Elon Musk said President Donald Trump had given the green light to close the agency.
According to a RIA Novosti correspondent, media crews gathered near USAID headquarters, just a few blocks from the White House, awaiting speeches by Democratic lawmakers who oppose the closure of the agency, which in fiscal 2023 manages more than $40 billion.
Some protesters held signs reading "America, Seriously? Dictatorship?" and "What's Next?"
Meanwhile, former USAID employees also gathered in front of the building while questioning the fate of their current employment status.
"I can't believe it, my life is different from last week. This morning I applied for a job. This is my life now," one USAID employee told RIA Novosti.
Several media outlets have reported that the Trump administration has placed dozens of USAID officials on leave after the US cut aid to other countries.
Previously, on Sunday (2/2), Musk called USAID a "criminal organization" and said, "it's time for the organization to die."
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Monday that he is now acting director of USAID.
Rubio said USAID must follow the policy direction of the US State Department and the current situation does not mean their programs should be stopped.