President Trump continues his campaign to dismantle government agencies, revoking Joe Biden's security clearance, attacking USAID, freezing aid to South Africa, and appointing himself chairman of the Kennedy Center. The move against Biden's access to classified information is unprecedented and has drawn widespread criticism. Meanwhile, Musk's 'Department of Government Efficiency' faces legal and ethical challenges as it aggressively seeks to reshape the US government.
President Donald Trump on Friday revoked his predecessor Joe Biden's security clearance in a series of rapid-fire power plays, escalating his campaign to dismantle the US humanitarian agency charged with helping the world's poorest and extending American influence globally.
In a move that has drawn widespread criticism, Trump asserted that there is 'no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information,' immediately revoking the Democrat's security clearances and ending his daily intelligence briefings. This action, taken even though US presidents are traditionally given the right to receive intelligence briefings even after they step down, further exemplifies Trump's aggressive approach to dismantling government agencies.Trump also intensified his assault on the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), which distributes humanitarian aid globally. Accusing the agency of 'corruption,' he demanded its closure without providing any evidence. This attack on USAID comes amidst a broader crusade led by Elon Musk, the world's richest person and Trump's top donor, to downsize or dismantle vast portions of the US government. Musk, who has alongside Trump spread demonstrably false information about USAid's finances, reposted images of the agency's signage being removed from its Washington headquarters, fueling the perception of a systematic dismantling.The Trump administration has already implemented measures to freeze foreign aid, ordered thousands of internationally-based staff to return to the United States, and initiated a drastic reduction of the USAid workforce from 10,000 employees to approximately 300. Labor unions are challenging the legality of these actions, and a federal judge on Friday ordered a pause to the administration's plan to place 2,200 USAid workers on paid leave. Democrats argue that it would be unconstitutional for Trump to shut down government agencies without legislative approval.The United States' current budget allocates roughly $70 billion for international assistance, a small percentage of overall spending. However, USAid alone operates health and emergency programs in approximately 120 countries, including the world's poorest regions, significantly contributing to Washington's global influence. Critics, such as Samantha Power, the former USAid chief under President Joe Biden, contend that these actions constitute 'one of the worst and most costly foreign policy blunders in US history.' Hard-right Republicans and libertarians have long questioned the necessity of USAid, citing concerns about wasteful spending abroad.In another controversial move, Trump appointed himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center, suggesting that the prestigious cultural venue did not align with his values. He specifically cited a 'Drag Show' featuring 'youth' as an example of what he wants to stop, without elaborating on the details. This statement reflects Trump's repeated attacks on gender-nonconforming individuals.Furthermore, Trump followed through on a promise to freeze US aid to South Africa, citing a law that he alleges permits farmland to be seized from white farmers, despite Johannesburg's denials. This decision aligns with Musk's frequent criticisms of the South African government.Musk and his self-proclaimed 'Department of Government Efficiency,' or DOGE, have undertaken a campaign to dismantle agencies that Americans have long considered essential. While Democrats struggle to find effective ways to halt these budget cuts, legal challenges are gradually gaining momentum. A judge has already blocked Trump's attempt to overturn the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship, and another judge temporarily halted a plan to offer mass buyouts to federal workers pending further arguments.Adding to the complexity of the situation, Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has faced controversy due to reports that he and his team accessed sensitive Treasury Department data and systems. An internal Treasury assessment characterized the DOGE team's access to federal payment systems as 'the single biggest insider threat the Bureau of the Fiscal Service has ever faced,' according to US media.Adding to the controversy, a member of the DOGE team resigned after it was revealed that he had espoused racist and eugenicist views on social media. Despite this, Trump expressed support for the fired 25-year-old, and Musk subsequently announced his intention to reinstate him. Vice President JD Vance joined the chorus, stating that he believed 'stupid social media activity should not ruin a kid's life,' while criticizing the reporter who uncovered the posts for attempting to 'destroy people.
DONALD TRUMP JOE BIDEN SECURITY CLEARANCE USAID ELON MUSK KENNEDY CENTER FOREIGN AID SOUTH AFRICA GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY
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