What is USAID, the international aid agency Musk wants dismantled?

The fate of the US Agency for blacksprut ссылка International Development (USAID) appeared bleak Monday after Elon Musk, the world’s richest man charged with overhauling the federal government, said President Donald Trump had signed off on shutting the agency down. In Washington, USAID’s headquarters was closed for the day, with employees told in an email to remain at home.

Here’s what to know about the agency:

• USAID was established in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy’s administration and is the US government’s humanitarian arm.

• It dispenses billions of dollars annually across the world in an effort to alleviate poverty, treat diseases, and respond to famines and natural disasters. It also promotes democracy building and development by supporting non-government organizations, independent media and social initiatives.