Elon Musk’s role in dueling USAID conspiracy theories
Annapurna Rai | Feb 07, 2025, 19:01 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Elon Musk recently labeled the USAID as 'evil' and 'criminal,' aligning with past conspiracy theories and the Trump administration’s decision to halt the agency's operations. Consequently, USAID faces significant workforce cuts and disruptions in providing humanitarian aid globally, impacting millions who depend on its services.
Until recently, Elon Musk had rarely commented on the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on X, his social media platform. However, in a sudden and aggressive shift, he launched a barrage of posts condemning the humanitarian aid agency, calling it “evil,” a “criminal organization,” and a “viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists who hate America.” His rhetoric has played a significant role in pushing fringe theories about USAID into mainstream discourse, coinciding with the Trump administration's decision to halt the agency's operations.
Musk’s claims align with long-standing but largely unfounded criticisms of USAID. Conspiracy theories have painted the organization as a front for global meddling, biowarfare research, and financial corruption. Previously relegated to the fringes of online discourse, these ideas gained widespread traction when Musk amplified them to his 216 million followers.
The fallout was swift. President Donald Trump, in alignment with Musk's critiques, signed an executive order freezing all foreign aid. Reports indicate that USAID, which provides billions in food and medical assistance to over 100 countries, will see its workforce slashed from over 5,000 employees to just 290. Trump himself stated that while he appreciates “the concept” of USAID, he believes its leadership is filled with “radical left lunatics.”
Musk’s engagement on this topic has primarily consisted of interactions with a handful of small but influential anonymous accounts on X. These accounts, often promoting conspiracy theories, have pushed narratives portraying USAID as a tool of a deep-state globalist agenda. The amplification of these theories by Musk mirrors past incidents, such as the so-called Twitter Files in 2022, where selective information was used to fuel allegations of government censorship.
Despite Musk’s claims, he has offered little evidence to support his attacks on USAID. He described the agency as “a ball of worms” during an X Space conversation but did not provide substantive proof. The Trump administration has promised a forthcoming report detailing “tremendous fraud” at USAID, citing past projects that allegedly misallocated funds or had unintended consequences, such as agricultural initiatives inadvertently supporting poppy farming in Afghanistan.
Among those fueling the controversy is Mike Benz, a former Trump administration official turned conservative researcher. Musk has engaged with Benz on X more than 40 times in the past week, elevating his claims that USAID is complicit in global election rigging, mass censorship, and covert operations for the CIA. Benz's assertions are often presented with highlighted texts, diagrams, and out-of-context documents designed to create an appearance of sinister intent. His influence has grown considerably, positioning him as a key figure in the right-wing media ecosystem.
While USAID has faced legitimate criticisms regarding efficiency and oversight, experts argue that the sweeping allegations against it are unfounded. The agency plays a critical role in global humanitarian efforts, including disease prevention and famine relief. Former USAID officials emphasize that its work directly benefits U.S. national security by addressing crises that could otherwise lead to instability and mass migration.
The repercussions of these attacks on USAID are already evident. Essential medical supplies, food aid, and disaster relief efforts have been disrupted, leaving vulnerable populations at risk. Aid workers have scrambled to comply with the administration's orders, even as misinformation continues to spread. The shutdown of USAID has not only destabilized international relief efforts but has also sent shockwaves through diplomatic and humanitarian communities.
Musk’s involvement in this controversy is particularly ironic given his business ties to USAID. His companies, Tesla and SpaceX, have both benefited from USAID funding. Tesla has stakes in Zola, a company that received USAID funding for renewable energy projects in Africa. Additionally, USAID helped facilitate SpaceX’s Starlink deployment in Ukraine following the Russian invasion. While initially praised, the collaboration later became controversial when Musk restricted Starlink’s use by Ukraine’s military, citing concerns over escalating conflict.
As the situation unfolds, the role of social media in shaping public policy and government decisions is under renewed scrutiny. The power of influential figures like Musk to amplify and legitimize conspiracy theories demonstrates how rapidly misinformation can drive real-world consequences. With USAID facing an uncertain future, the impact of these narratives extends far beyond online discourse, directly affecting millions who rely on humanitarian aid worldwide.
Musk’s claims align with long-standing but largely unfounded criticisms of USAID. Conspiracy theories have painted the organization as a front for global meddling, biowarfare research, and financial corruption. Previously relegated to the fringes of online discourse, these ideas gained widespread traction when Musk amplified them to his 216 million followers.
The fallout was swift. President Donald Trump, in alignment with Musk's critiques, signed an executive order freezing all foreign aid. Reports indicate that USAID, which provides billions in food and medical assistance to over 100 countries, will see its workforce slashed from over 5,000 employees to just 290. Trump himself stated that while he appreciates “the concept” of USAID, he believes its leadership is filled with “radical left lunatics.”
Musk’s engagement on this topic has primarily consisted of interactions with a handful of small but influential anonymous accounts on X. These accounts, often promoting conspiracy theories, have pushed narratives portraying USAID as a tool of a deep-state globalist agenda. The amplification of these theories by Musk mirrors past incidents, such as the so-called Twitter Files in 2022, where selective information was used to fuel allegations of government censorship.
Despite Musk’s claims, he has offered little evidence to support his attacks on USAID. He described the agency as “a ball of worms” during an X Space conversation but did not provide substantive proof. The Trump administration has promised a forthcoming report detailing “tremendous fraud” at USAID, citing past projects that allegedly misallocated funds or had unintended consequences, such as agricultural initiatives inadvertently supporting poppy farming in Afghanistan.
Among those fueling the controversy is Mike Benz, a former Trump administration official turned conservative researcher. Musk has engaged with Benz on X more than 40 times in the past week, elevating his claims that USAID is complicit in global election rigging, mass censorship, and covert operations for the CIA. Benz's assertions are often presented with highlighted texts, diagrams, and out-of-context documents designed to create an appearance of sinister intent. His influence has grown considerably, positioning him as a key figure in the right-wing media ecosystem.
While USAID has faced legitimate criticisms regarding efficiency and oversight, experts argue that the sweeping allegations against it are unfounded. The agency plays a critical role in global humanitarian efforts, including disease prevention and famine relief. Former USAID officials emphasize that its work directly benefits U.S. national security by addressing crises that could otherwise lead to instability and mass migration.
The repercussions of these attacks on USAID are already evident. Essential medical supplies, food aid, and disaster relief efforts have been disrupted, leaving vulnerable populations at risk. Aid workers have scrambled to comply with the administration's orders, even as misinformation continues to spread. The shutdown of USAID has not only destabilized international relief efforts but has also sent shockwaves through diplomatic and humanitarian communities.
Musk’s involvement in this controversy is particularly ironic given his business ties to USAID. His companies, Tesla and SpaceX, have both benefited from USAID funding. Tesla has stakes in Zola, a company that received USAID funding for renewable energy projects in Africa. Additionally, USAID helped facilitate SpaceX’s Starlink deployment in Ukraine following the Russian invasion. While initially praised, the collaboration later became controversial when Musk restricted Starlink’s use by Ukraine’s military, citing concerns over escalating conflict.
As the situation unfolds, the role of social media in shaping public policy and government decisions is under renewed scrutiny. The power of influential figures like Musk to amplify and legitimize conspiracy theories demonstrates how rapidly misinformation can drive real-world consequences. With USAID facing an uncertain future, the impact of these narratives extends far beyond online discourse, directly affecting millions who rely on humanitarian aid worldwide.