The Journal: Inside USAID as Elon Musk and DOGE Ripped It Apart

Hosted by Kate Linebaugh, Ryan Knutson, and Jessica Mendoza
Release Date: February 6, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Journal, hosted by the Wall Street Journal and Gimlet, the hosts delve into a seismic shift within the U.S. government's foreign assistance apparatus. Titled "Inside USAID as Elon Musk and DOGE Ripped It Apart," the episode explores how recent administrative changes, spearheaded by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have dramatically impacted the operations of USAID, the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Background on USAID

USAID, established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy and designated as an independent agency in 1998, plays a crucial role in distributing foreign assistance and humanitarian aid globally. With a budget of approximately $40 billion and a workforce of around 10,000 employees, USAID's mission is to provide aid in various forms, including food distribution, health services, and support for marginalized communities.

Marcy Hirsch Robinson, a seasoned humanitarian aid worker with over two decades of experience in more than 30 countries, serves as a testament to the agency's impact. In her role as the team lead for gender, age, and social inclusion at the Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance, Marcy emphasizes the importance of accessible aid for vulnerable populations.

Marcy Hirsch Robinson [06:26]: "If we have a food distribution program that is working in Ukraine, my team's responsibility is making sure that people with disabilities... women and girls who are at increased risk of gender-based violence are able to access the protections that they need."

Administrative Overhaul: Elon Musk and DOGE

The episode outlines a dramatic pivot initiated by the Trump administration, fulfilling a campaign promise to restructure the federal government. Elon Musk, appointed as the head of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), along with his team, embarked on an aggressive campaign to overhaul federal agencies perceived as inefficient or wasteful.

On Friday, January 24, USAID employees received unprecedented stop work orders affecting all USAID programs, signaling an abrupt halt to ongoing initiatives without prior notice or explanation.

Unnamed USAID Employee [01:01]: "We were just told that immediately all work had to stop."

The following Monday, senior officials were placed on leave, and by Tuesday, January 28, hundreds of USAID contractors were laid off without warning, leading to widespread shock and uncertainty within the agency.

Unnamed USAID Employee [02:18]: "Everyone was crying. They were in shock... they were putting Post-it notes with their names on the laptops."

The swift dismantling extended to the removal of agency decorations and the termination of health benefits, leaving employees grappling with their futures and the abrupt cessation of vital humanitarian efforts.

Impact on USAID Employees and Humanitarian Efforts

Marcy Hirsch Robinson and her colleagues, primarily contractors deeply committed to their roles, found themselves in a state of disbelief and fear. The abrupt cessation of USAID's operations not only endangered their livelihoods but also threatened the lives of countless beneficiaries relying on critical services such as tuberculosis vaccines, neonatal care, and malnutrition relief.

Unnamed USAID Employee [09:25]: "When you just shut off the valves of humanitarian assistance... malnourished children in Sudan and in Gaza, no longer being able to access life-saving foods."

The shutdown prompted a frantic scramble among aid agencies to seek exceptions for emergency assistance, but with limited success, employees felt powerless in the face of decisions made by higher authorities without transparency or consultation.

Elon Musk and DOGE's Broader Mandate

Elon Musk's involvement goes beyond USAID. As the leader of DOGE, Musk was entrusted with "fixing" what he and his team deemed as inefficient within various federal agencies. This included scrutinizing and proposing cuts to departments like the Treasury and Health and Human Services.

Brian Schwartz [16:11]: "The Treasury's payment system is one of the main financial arteries of the US Government... there's a lot of sensitive information about people like Social Security numbers."

Musk's approach has been characterized by a blend of authoritarian measures and public criticism of federal agencies. In the case of USAID, Musk labeled the agency as "evil" and a "criminal organization," advocating for its dissolution and restructuring under the State Department.

Government and Public Reactions

The intervention by DOGE has sparked significant controversy. Democrats have vehemently opposed Musk's actions, labeling him as a "shadow president" and challenging the legality of his overreach into federal operations. Concerns have also been raised about potential conflicts of interest due to Musk's extensive business interests.

Brian Schwartz [19:00]: "Elon gets the heat. Elon doesn't care if he gets the heat. He feels clearly that he's got the authorization from the man and he's got the White House behind him."

In contrast, the Republican Party has largely supported DOGE's initiatives, viewing Musk as a tool to realize long-standing goals of reducing federal spending and increasing efficiency within government operations.

Brian Schwartz [19:57]: "They are looking at Elon Musk basically as their button... and they could just defer to him and shrug the shoulders to go, yeah, I mean, well, we're authorizing him."

Labor unions and other advocacy groups have filed lawsuits to prevent DOGE from accessing sensitive data within departments like Treasury, reflecting broader societal resistance to the perceived militarization of government efficiency initiatives.

Future Implications and Conclusion

As DOGE continues its mission to overhaul federal agencies, the future remains uncertain for USAID and other targeted departments. The potential consolidation of USAID under the State Department marks a significant shift in how foreign aid and humanitarian efforts are managed, potentially undermining their effectiveness and reach.

Unnamed USAID Employee [22:36]: "It's clear that the gloves are off and the regular rules of business do not apply."

With over 40,000 federal workers already accepting buyouts, the sustainability of essential services is in jeopardy. The episode concludes with an ominous forecast: "the White House is preparing an executive order that would fire thousands of workers at the Department of Health and Human Services," signifying that the dismantling process is far from over.

Notable Quotes

• Unnamed USAID Employee [05:48]: "So basically, if we have a food distribution program that is working in Ukraine... that women and girls... can access it."

• Brian Schwartz [13:32]: "He's been given maximum authority as a, basically a temporary employee of the US Government to go into these agencies and make cuts."

• Unnamed USAID Employee [21:41]: "We are public servants. We have given everything to do this work and we feel just utterly abandoned in this moment."

Closing Remarks

The Journal provides an incisive look into the tumultuous changes within USAID and the broader implications of Elon Musk's leadership of DOGE. Through interviews with affected employees and experts, the episode sheds light on the human and operational costs of this aggressive government restructuring, raising critical questions about the future of U.S. foreign aid and governmental efficiency.

Additional Reporting by: Rebecca Ballhaus, Annie Linsky, Joel Shechtman, and Alexander Ward.

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This summary aims to capture the essence of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened. It highlights key discussions, insights, and the profound impact of recent administrative changes on USAID and its dedicated workforce.