A heated standoff at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has led to two senior security officials being placed on administrative leave. The incident occurred after they refused to grant officials from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) access to the agency’s sensitive systems, even as DOGE personnel reportedly threatened to involve law enforcement.

Sources reveal that DOGE representatives physically tried to enter USAID’s Washington, DC, headquarters but were initially blocked. They allegedly demanded access to security systems, personnel files, and classified information, which typically requires specific clearance and justification. Despite the resistance, DOGE personnel eventually gained entry, raising concerns about potential breaches of sensitive data.

This clash is the latest in a string of controversies as DOGE, aligned with former President Donald Trump, seeks to expand its influence over federal agencies. The incident has sparked alarm among lawmakers, with Senator Jeanne Shaheen calling it “incredibly serious and unprecedented.” She emphasized the need for immediate answers regarding potential national security risks.

Elon Musk, meanwhile, took to social media to criticize USAID, calling it a “criminal organization” and suggesting it should be dismantled. This aligns with broader reports suggesting Trump’s administration plans to merge USAID into the State Department, a move critics argue could undermine the agency’s vital humanitarian work.

USAID, established in 1961, plays a crucial role in global development, providing aid for poverty alleviation, disease treatment, and disaster response. Critics warn that folding it into the State Department could cripple its unique capabilities and harm US soft power worldwide.

The situation remains tense as over 60 senior USAID staff have been placed on leave in recent weeks, reportedly for attempting to circumvent a Trump executive order pausing foreign aid. This ongoing shakeup has left many questioning the future of the agency and its mission.

The White House and USAID have yet to comment on the incident.