Stop Me If You Can, Elon Musk: Perplexity AI CEO’s Bold Challenge Amid USAID Shutdown Debate

Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas playfully challenged Elon Musk on X amid the USAID shutdown controversy, joking about securing $500B in funding. The Trump administration has drastically downsized USAID, labeling it “corrupt” and planning its merger with the State Department. Musk has supported the move, calling USAID a “criminal organization” and criticizing its alleged wasteful spending.

CONTENTS:

• Perplexity AI CEO Challenges Elon Musk Over USAID Shutdown Debate
• ‘Top Me If You Can, Elon Musk’: Perplexity AI CEO Challenges Billionaire Amid USAID Controversy
• ‘Stop Me If You Can, Elon Musk’: Perplexity AI CEO’s Playful Post Amid DOGE vs USAID Clash

Perplexity AI CEO Challenges Elon Musk Over USAID Shutdown Debate

Shortly after Elon Musk called for shutting down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas issued an open challenge to the Tesla founder.

“Considering raising $500B from USAID. Funding secured. Stop me if you can @elonmusk,” Srinivas posted on X, tagging the head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Musk’s Accusations Against USAID

Musk alleged that USAID had funded harmful programs and labeled it a “criminal organization,” fueling calls for its closure. Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, USAID was designed to provide humanitarian aid and counter foreign influence, particularly during the Cold War. Today, it continues to support welfare initiatives in over 100 countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. However, critics claim it pushes a liberal agenda under the guise of aid.

Trump Administration’s Crackdown on USAID

Since his inauguration on January 20, President Trump has taken aggressive steps against USAID, freezing foreign assistance for 90 days and branding the agency as “corrupt.” Four days later, a strict interpretation of the order led to the shutdown of numerous global programs and mass layoffs.

Reports indicate that the Trump administration aims to downsize USAID drastically, reducing its workforce to fewer than 300 staff members and merging it with the State Department under acting administrator Marco Rubio. Trump also criticized past USAID spending, highlighting what he called “wasteful” projects.

Musk supported these actions, responding to reports of alleged mismanagement with, “Crazy waste of your tax money!”

USAID Operations Halted

By midnight on February 7, USAID had placed nearly all direct-hire employees on administrative leave worldwide, with only a few designated for mission-critical tasks. The agency’s website and social media accounts have also been taken down.

The debate over USAID’s future remains highly charged, with Srinivas’ challenge adding a new layer of intrigue to the controversy.

‘Top Me If You Can, Elon Musk’: Perplexity AI CEO Challenges Billionaire Amid USAID Controversy

Aravind Srinivas, the Indian-origin CEO of Perplexity AI, has stirred the debate around the shutdown of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) by playfully challenging Elon Musk. In a post on X, Srinivas wrote, “Considering raising $500B from USAID. Funding secured. Stop me if you can @elonmusk,” taking a jab at the Tesla CEO.

USAID’s Shutdown Under Trump

The post comes in the wake of the Trump administration’s sweeping overhaul of USAID, which the U.S. president labeled as “corrupt.” The administration has moved to terminate thousands of agency employees, calling it one of the largest dismissals in government history.

Musk has previously criticized USAID, calling it a “criminal organization” that should be shut down. Reports indicate that the Trump administration intends to cut USAID’s workforce to fewer than 300 employees and integrate it into the State Department, which is now overseen by Marco Rubio as acting administrator.

USAID’s Role and Controversy

Before these cuts, USAID employed over 10,000 people worldwide, with two-thirds stationed outside the United States, according to the Congressional Research Service (CRS). The agency, originally established to provide humanitarian aid and development assistance, has been accused by critics of misusing funds for questionable projects.

As of midnight on February 7, USAID announced that nearly all direct-hire personnel would be placed on administrative leave, except for those handling critical functions. Meanwhile, demonstrations erupted in Washington, D.C., opposing the agency’s dismantling.

Trump and Musk Criticize USAID’s Spending

The Trump administration has openly criticized USAID’s expenditures, claiming that taxpayer money was wasted on unnecessary projects. Trump posted on X, “For decades, USAID bureaucrats believed they were accountable to no one – but that era is over. President Trump is STOPPING the waste, fraud, and abuse.” Musk echoed this sentiment, calling it “crazy waste of your tax money!”

Before Musk’s remarks, Trump had already described USAID as being run by “radical lunatics” and suggested a complete reevaluation of its operations. The administration maintains that foreign aid should align more closely with U.S. policy priorities.

‘Stop Me If You Can, Elon Musk’: Perplexity AI CEO’s Playful Post Amid DOGE vs USAID Clash

Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas, known for his witty exchanges with Elon Musk on X, has once again caught the internet’s attention with a cheeky remark. His latest post comes amid the ongoing standoff between the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

USAID Faces Shutdown Under Trump Administration

USAID, originally established by President John F. Kennedy, has been at the center of controversy after President Donald Trump labeled it “corrupt.” Following this, the administration placed dozens of officials on leave and terminated thousands of contractors. The move is part of an effort led by DOGE, headed by billionaire Elon Musk, to dissolve the agency and integrate it into the State Department.

Aravind Srinivas’ Viral Post

Amid the heated debate, Srinivas took to X with a humorous jab at Musk. He wrote:
“Considering raising $500B from USAID. Funding secured. Stop me if you can, Elon Musk.”

His post quickly gained traction, sparking discussions on social media as the political and financial implications of USAID’s shutdown continue to unfold.