But for millions in poverty living around the world, the agency that Elon Musk has been attacking has been a crucial lifeline by providing needed humanitarian aid and other assistance — and for the United States, it has been a key element of soft power that has helped it counter the ambitions of authoritarian regimes for decades.

Musk is working for Trump as a "special government employee," which means he's not subject to the same ethics and disclosure rules that are typical of government workers.

Elon Musk has sidelined career officials, gained access to sensitive databases and even shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development. All of this is happening without congressional approval.