Elon Musk recently posted on X about the U.S. Agency for International Development, calling it a “viper’s nest of radical-left marxists” and stating that it is “time for it to die.” This sudden interest in USAID stems from long-standing criticism of the agency’s foreign aid programs, which some claim mask nation-meddling and overspend American tax dollars. President Donald Trump has also expressed skepticism about USAID, signing an executive order freezing foreign aid and reducing the agency’s workforce. Musk’s posts on the topic have mainly been responses to verified accounts that propagate conspiracy theories about USAID, ultimately leading to Musk’s decision to take action against the agency.
Mike Benz, a former alt-right vlogger, has been attacking USAID for years and has pushed theories about the agency’s involvement in various conspiracies, ultimately gaining influence in conservative circles. Musk, who previously worked with and received funding from USAID through his companies Tesla and SpaceX, has now taken a stance against the agency, citing unfounded claims about its criminal activities.
The spread of false conspiracy theories about USAID has led to real-world consequences, with essential aid being withheld from recipients due to the agency’s impending shutdown. This demonstrates the power that influential figures like Musk can have in shaping public discourse and impacting government decisions. Despite the lack of evidence and conflicting interests involved, the campaign against USAID continues to gain traction, raising concerns about the influence of misinformation on political decisions.
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