Why Elon Musk scrapping USAID would totally suck for America’s future. Let me break it down for you.

When Elon Musk talks about shutting down USAID because it’s a “viper’s nest” and a “ball of worms,” you might roll your eyes. I mean, this is coming from a guy known for spreading falsehoods left and right on Twitter. But hey, he’s not alone in wanting to trim the federal budget deficit, which is ballooning to $1.8 trillion every year.

But hold up, before you start cheering on Musk’s crusade to axe USAID, let’s get our facts straight. Turns out, Americans vastly overestimate how much of the federal budget goes to foreign aid. The average guess is around 8.5%, which would be over $620 billion in 2025. In reality, USAID’s budget is less than 1% of that, at less than $40 billion. And with Musk’s net worth, he could fund the whole agency out of his own pocket for over a decade.

So why is Musk really gunning for this tiny department in his quest to slash $2 trillion in federal spending? What does USAID actually do? Is it all just charity, or is there more to it that even a Silicon Valley big shot should care about? Should a futurist like Musk actually be looking to invest more in it? (Spoiler alert: yes.)

### What USAID does, exactly
Surprisingly, despite the skepticism towards big government aid efforts, most Americans are on board with what USAID actually does. From disaster relief to helping farmers in famine-hit countries, the majority supports lending a helping hand to those in need. And seriously, who would want to see people starving when we have the resources to make a difference?

Established in 1961 during the Cold War, USAID has been a vital tool for the US in shaping global opinion and providing aid in times of crisis. Even after the Cold War, its role remains crucial, especially in the face of climate change and rising epidemics. Withdrawing aid funding only creates chaos and benefits dictators.

### Cutting USAID is not the way
Sure, the federal government could use some trimming here and there, just ask Al Gore. But targeting USAID, one of the smallest departments, seems more like picking on the little guy than tackling the real budget bloat. Musk could set his sights on the bloated Pentagon budget or other massive programs, but it seems easier to go after the low-hanging fruit.

Instead of going “shock and awe” on USAID, Musk could focus on the bigger fish that are draining taxpayer dollars with questionable returns. But hey, maybe it’s easier to bully the small guy than take on the real challenges.

### Why USAID should matter to Musk
Despite being a small department without a loud constituency, USAID plays a crucial role in building a safer and more prosperous world for America to thrive in. If Musk is truly looking for long-term ROI and a thriving global marketplace, investing in USAID could be the smart move.
USAID: More than Just a Program

Have you ever wondered what USAID is and why Elon Musk is trying to kill it? USAID is essentially a combination of business development, marketing, and security spending all rolled into one. In the grand scheme of things, it could be one of the most effective ways for America to allocate its funds. Need proof? Look no further than the Marshall Plan.

The Marshall Plan: A Game-Changer

After World War II, Europe was left in ruins. It was clear to economists that a prosperous Europe would make for a prime market for all the American goods flooding the market in the 1940s. Not to mention, a thriving Europe would serve as a barrier against the spread of Communist dictatorships. Thus, the Truman administration pushed for the Marshall Plan, despite facing opposition in Congress.

Fast forward to today, and the Marshall Plan was undeniably costly. In today’s dollars, it totaled a staggering $150 billion. Yet, the returns were exponential. By 1950, the countries that received aid had restored their economies to prewar levels, becoming America’s strongest trading partners and closest allies. The U.S. GDP saw a significant jump, much like the boost seen in the 1990s with the rise of the World Wide Web.

The Impact of Killing USAID

On the flip side, experts warn that dismantling USAID would only benefit countries like Russia and China. With a significant portion of USAID’s budget allocated to aiding countries like Ukraine, which has been ravaged by conflict, cutting off this lifeline would be detrimental.

China, in particular, has been strategically investing in countries worldwide through initiatives like the Belt and Road project. They understand the importance of infrastructure and ideas in shaping global influence. If USAID were to be eliminated, especially at a time when America is losing ground in areas like AI, the consequences could be dire.

Musk’s efforts to kill USAID, if successful, could tarnish America’s image on the world stage. Instead of being seen as a beacon of hope, the U.S. may be viewed as a callous, militaristic oligarchy. The repercussions could extend far beyond financial implications, impacting America’s standing in the international community.

Topics
Elon Musk