Trump Takes Drastic Steps in Government Overhaul
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked Joe Biden’s security clearance in a sweeping new series of executive actions. At the same time, Trump has escalated efforts to dismantle USAID, the U.S. humanitarian agency that provides aid to impoverished regions worldwide.
In a rapid set of policy changes, the 78-year-old former president also halted aid to South Africa, where billionaire Elon Musk was born, and named himself chairman of the Kennedy Center, a prestigious cultural institution in Washington, D.C.
Biden’s Security Clearance Revoked
Trump announced the decision on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating:
“There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information.”
He emphasized that Biden’s security clearance was being immediately revoked, ending the tradition of former presidents receiving classified intelligence briefings.
In a bold message directed at Biden, Trump wrote:
“JOE, YOU’RE FIRED.”
USAID Targeted for Shutdown
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), responsible for distributing billions in humanitarian aid across 120 countries, is now facing major cutbacks. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, accused the agency of corruption, stating:
“THE CORRUPTION IS AT LEVELS RARELY SEEN BEFORE. CLOSE IT DOWN!”
Musk, an influential Trump ally, has also publicly criticized USAID. Recently, images surfaced online showing the agency’s signage being removed from its Washington headquarters.
Drastic Cuts to Foreign Aid
Trump’s administration has:
✅ Frozen foreign aid programs
✅ Ordered thousands of overseas USAID staff to return to the U.S.
✅ Reduced the agency’s workforce from 10,000 employees to approximately 300
Despite legal challenges from labor unions, a federal judge temporarily blocked Trump’s attempt to place 2,200 USAID employees on paid leave.
U.S. Foreign Policy in Crisis?
USAID has been a key player in U.S. global influence, managing health and emergency programs in developing nations. Former USAID chief Samantha Power criticized Trump’s move, calling it:
“One of the worst and most costly foreign policy blunders in U.S. history.”
While hard-right Republicans and libertarians have long argued that foreign aid is wasteful, critics warn that cutting USAID weakens America’s global standing.
Trump Takes Over the Kennedy Center
Trump also declared himself the new chairman of the Kennedy Center, a landmark cultural institution in Washington.
“Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured drag shows targeting our youth—THIS WILL STOP,” he wrote, without specifying which performance he was referring to.
The move aligns with Trump’s broader push against gender-nonconforming performances in public institutions.
South Africa Aid Frozen
Trump also followed through on a freeze on U.S. aid to South Africa, citing a controversial land policy that he claims allows farmland to be seized from white farmers—an allegation that South African officials have denied.
Musk, who has been vocal in his criticism of the South African government, backed Trump’s decision.
Rising Controversy Over Musk’s Role
Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has played a central role in Trump’s government overhaul. However, a recent Treasury Department report raised concerns about Musk’s unauthorized access to sensitive federal payment systems.
A high-ranking DOGE team member also resigned after reports surfaced linking him to racist and eugenics-related social media posts.
Despite the backlash, Trump defended the staffer and announced that Musk would reinstate him.
Legal Battles on the Horizon
Trump’s aggressive policy shifts have led to multiple legal challenges, including:
❌ A federal judge blocking his attempt to restrict birthright citizenship
❌ A pause on mass layoffs of government workers
❌ Ongoing lawsuits challenging his authority to dissolve federal agencies
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance defended Trump’s decision to reinstate the controversial DOGE staffer, stating:
“Stupid social media activity shouldn’t ruin a kid’s life.”
What’s Next?
Trump’s sweeping government overhaul is expected to face fierce resistance from Democrats, federal agencies, and legal experts.
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates on this developing story.
