Trump Defends Musk Amid Controversy Over DOGE, USAID Access, and Foreign Aid Claims

US President Donald Trump defended Elon Musk on Monday after reports revealed that the Treasury Department granted Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team access to the federal payment system. Trump emphasized that Musk could not act without approval from the government, stating, “He can’t do and won’t do anything without our approval.” CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency

Trump also made unverified claims that Musk uncovered $100 million worth of condoms being sent to Hamas, contradicting his earlier statement about $50 million going to Gaza. However, public records from USAID show no such shipments to Gaza between 2007 and 2023, with the only recorded Middle Eastern shipment being a $45,680 delivery to Jordan.

Musk, appointed by Trump to lead DOGE, is central to controversy after security officials at USAID were placed on leave for refusing to grant access to Musk's team. A recent report also revealed that around 60 senior USAID officials were placed on leave over an alleged attempt to bypass Trump's order to pause foreign aid.

While Musk claimed that Trump agreed to dismantle USAID, the White House has not confirmed this, and Democratic senators have argued that such a move would require congressional approval. Trump criticized USAID staff, labeling them "radical left lunatics," despite acknowledging the agency's concept.