The Trump administration has announced significant reductions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAid), retaining fewer than 300 employees from a workforce exceeding 10,000. This drastic move, effective as of midnight on Friday, has been largely orchestrated by businessman Elon Musk, who is spearheading President Trump's effort to shrink federal bureaucracy. The cuts have sparked widespread concern, particularly among U.S. government workers, due to potential humanitarian consequences.
Elon Musk, known for his entrepreneurial ventures, has been instrumental in overseeing the gutting of USAid. In a candid post on X, Musk stated that he and his team "spent the weekend feeding USAid into the wood chipper." These remarks follow a lawsuit filed against the Trump administration, which claims that the reduction of USAid funding has had "disastrous humanitarian consequences," affecting efforts to combat malaria and HIV.
"All USAid direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and specially designated programs," USAid confirmed in a statement on its website.
Amidst these developments, Kevin Rudd's former prime ministerial office has issued a strong rebuttal against claims circulating online. The office clarified that neither Rudd nor the Asia Society received funding from USAid during Rudd's tenure as CEO and president from 2021 to 2023. Rudd's involvement with the Asia Society, an organization dedicated to educating the world about Asia, began in 2015 as president of its thinktank.
"It's a fake. USAid doesn't fund Kevin Rudd or Asia Society. Nor did Asia Society receive any USAid funding during Dr Rudd's period as president," declared Kevin Rudd's former prime ministerial office.
"It's a lie. Pure and simple," the office further asserted to dispel misinformation.
Currently serving as the ambassador to the U.S., Kevin Rudd has found himself at the center of this controversy despite having no financial ties to USAid funding.
The reduction of USAid has led to widespread criticism and concern over its impact on global humanitarian efforts. The agency's functions have been significantly curtailed since President Trump took office, causing alarm among stakeholders both within and outside the U.S. government.