The US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) website suddenly went offline Saturday without any explanation. This comes as President Trump’s freeze on foreign aid continues, leading to thousands of layoffs, furloughs, and program shutdowns worldwide.

Lawmakers, particularly Democrats, are sounding the alarm. They worry Trump might be planning to merge USAID into the State Department, effectively ending its independence. Critics argue that such a move would be illegal, as Congress funds and oversees the agency. They also stress that USAID’s work is crucial for national security and global stability.

Trump and some Republicans, however, claim that much of the foreign aid is wasteful, especially programs they believe promote liberal social agendas. This freeze is part of a broader review of foreign assistance, which began two weeks ago and has already halted billions of dollars in humanitarian, development, and security aid.

USAID was created by President John F. Kennedy during the Cold War to counter Soviet influence. Today, it plays a key role in competing with China’s growing global aid efforts, like its “Belt and Road” initiative. The agency’s staff spent the weekend nervously monitoring signs of its fate, such as whether its flags and signs remained outside its Washington headquarters.

Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) accused Trump of potentially creating a constitutional crisis by bypassing Congress to eliminate agencies. Meanwhile, billionaire Elon Musk, who has advised Trump on shrinking the federal government, publicly supported dissolving USAID, calling it inefficient.

The confusion around which programs are still operational has left global aid organizations in limbo. While some life-saving emergency programs are allowed to continue, many others remain frozen. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that USAID’s initiatives are under review to ensure they align with national interests, but he did not confirm plans to dismantle the agency.

This isn’t the first time USAID has been caught in the crossfire. Republicans have long sought to give the State Department more control over its funds, while Democrats advocate for its independence. The ongoing battle over foreign aid highlights broader debates about its role in protecting US interests through stabilizing partner nations — or whether it’s simply a waste of taxpayer money.

As the freeze continues, the future of USAID and its global impact remains uncertain.