Musk Lieutenant Appointed Acting Head of Foreign Assistance by Trump Administration
TL/DR –
The Trump administration has expanded the power of Elon Musk’s government-cutting team at the State Department, making Jeremy Lewin, an associate of Musk, acting head of foreign assistance. This move is part of the administration’s efforts to greatly reduce the $52 billion spent in 2024 on overseas humanitarian, health, and development programs by the State Department and USAID. The White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed reducing the State Department’s and USAID’s funding by nearly 50%, eliminating funding for nearly all international organizations and reducing diplomatic staffing.
Here is the content in HTML:
Elon Musk’s Team Gets More Power Over State Department
WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has extended the authority of Elon Musk’s government-undermining team within the State Department, appointing a Musk representative as acting overseer of foreign aid.
A high-ranking U.S. official verified the new role for Jeremy Lewin, previously an associate of the Government Efficiency Department. Lewin’s role amplifies Musk’s team’s influence, which has collaborated with the Republican administration to make hefty reductions to government schemes and amenities.
This assignment follows the exit of Pete Marocco, a Trump political designate, from the administration’s foreign aid headship. Marocco was acknowledged for aiding in the cessation of staff, initiatives, and funding at USAID.
Watch: Trump and El Salvador’s president on deportation issue
Rubio recently canceled 139 additional foreign aid grants worth $214 million for programs he considered “misguided”.
The Trump administration and DOGE have been making sweeping cuts across the federal government, with the State Department being one of their main targets.
Watch: Salvador’s Bukele and the deportation issue
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposes to drastically reduce the State Department and USAID funding by nearly 50%. The proposal, in its early stages, is not expected to pass Congress’ scrutiny.
OMB spokesperson Alexandra McCandless stated that “no final funding decisions have been made.”
to PBS News Hour to ensure our important reporting continues to thrive.
—
Read More US Political News