On Thursday, a small independent international aid agency was in a state of uncertainty as it awaited potential actions from members of billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The situation escalated following an incident on Wednesday that began when DOGE representatives attempted to enter the offices of the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF).

Incident Details

At approximately 11:30 AM, employees identified two men claiming to be officials from the DOGE, though they were not equipped with key cards for office access. These individuals were accompanied by Pete Marocco, the director of the State Department’s Office of Foreign Assistance. The security personnel at USADF denied entry based on the men’s identification.

Despite initial resistance, the DOGE representatives eventually gained access to the floor where USADF employees were working, apparently due to threats of involving U.S. Marshals. Once inside, the DOGE workers reportedly roamed the hallways while USADF staff continued their daily tasks.

Reactions and Implications

As the situation unfolded, Brett Murphy, a reporter from ProPublica, shared a video of the exchange on social media. The confrontation concluded around 12:30 PM, with DOGE personnel indicating they might return with U.S. Marshals to enforce their demands, which reportedly included the termination of staffers.

In a statement of support for his employees, USADF President Ward Brehm emphasized that the agency operates under a board of directors that is nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, thus questioning Marocco’s legitimacy to act on behalf of the USADF without proper appointment.

Brehm previously communicated to Musk’s staff that USADF operations would not engage with them without his presence due to established protocols.

Legal Context and Broader Impact

It is important to note that the USADF is legally protected from dissolution except through an act of Congress. Following this, President Trump issued an executive order targeting multiple foreign aid agencies, including the USADF. Shortly before the confrontation at USADF, DOGE personnel had also entered the offices of the Inter-American Foundation, asserting similar authority and requesting sensitive operational data.

The incident at USADF has garnered political attention, with Senator Jim Risch expressing his views on the agency’s operations. Critics of the DOGE’s actions have voiced concern about the implications for aid work in Africa, which is vital to economic development and community support in the region.

Public Response

Responses from public figures have underscored the complex dynamics at play. Journalist Michael Deibert praised the USADF employees for their courage in facing the pressures exerted by the DOGE representatives.