Photo: Scott Peterson

USAID Headquarters Closure Raises Concerns Over Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) shut down its headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Monday.

The decision came hours after billionaire Elon Musk, leading U.S. President Donald Trump’s federal cost-cutting initiative, claimed that USAID was “beyond repair” and should be closed down, a sentiment Trump publicly echoed.

The closure follows an executive order issued by Trump on January 20, freezing most U.S. foreign aid to align with his “America First” policy. The order has halted hundreds of USAID programs worldwide, affecting billions of dollars in humanitarian assistance.

The sudden freeze has sparked widespread concern, particularly in Afghanistan, which has long depended on U.S. funding for critical aid and development programs.

USAID has been a major donor to Afghanistan, supporting programs in education, healthcare, and food security.

With the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, USAID shifted its focus to humanitarian relief, including emergency food assistance and support for displaced populations. The agency provided $1.4 billion in aid to Afghanistan in 2023 alone.

According to aid groups, the funding freeze could disrupt food assistance to millions of Afghans facing severe hunger. USAID-supported initiatives, including maternal healthcare, clean water access, and livelihood programs, are also at risk.

The closure of USAID’s headquarters has fueled tensions in Washington.

Over the past week, turmoil has gripped the agency as Musk’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) attempted to access USAID documents, leading to confrontations between Musk’s aides and career officials.

The move has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who plan to protest what they call “the Trump administration’s and Elon Musk’s illegal shutdown” outside USAID headquarters.