Republican lawmakers are expressing strong support for the apparent downsizing of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Several House conservatives view the agency as bloated and mismanaged, welcoming the prospect of significant changes.

Representative Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) criticized USAID, characterizing it as a wasteful organization that funnels taxpayer money towards politically motivated projects abroad. He emphasized the nation's substantial debt, arguing against continued financial aid to countries perceived as hostile to American interests.

Echoing this sentiment, Representative Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) suggested that shuttering USAID would contribute to fiscal responsibility and encourage recipient nations to become more self-sufficient, breaking what he described as a cycle of dependence fostered by the agency.

The image shows Elon Musk and Donald Trump, key figures in the USAID restructuring. (Getty Images)

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast (R-Fla.) also voiced support for potentially integrating USAID into the Department of State, citing concerns about its effectiveness. While USAID's mission is to provide foreign aid promoting development, combating poverty and disease, and supporting democracy, some conservatives contend it has deviated from this purpose and advocate for substantial budget cuts.

This sentiment is shared by Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Eli Crane (R-Ariz.), who have previously called for defunding or significantly reducing USAID's budget. Recent reports indicate that numerous senior USAID staff have been placed on administrative leave and communication restrictions have been implemented within the agency. Furthermore, control of its computer systems has reportedly been transferred to Musk's Department of Government Efficiency.

Representative Andy Biggs supports the restructuring of USAID. (Getty Images)

USAID's operations are under scrutiny. (Celal Gunes/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Conversely, Democrats have criticized the changes at USAID, particularly Musk's involvement, highlighting his unelected status and ties to Trump. Representatives Shontel Brown (D-Ohio) and Diane DeGette (D-Colo.) expressed concerns about accountability and the potential for authoritarian overreach, emphasizing the importance of USAID's role in national security and global stability.