Indian-Origin CEO Challenges Elon Musk Amid USAID Controversy

Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas playfully challenged Elon Musk on X, joking about raising $500 billion from USAID amid its controversial shutdown. The Trump administration has drastically downsized USAID, calling it corrupt and aligning it with the State Department. Musk previously criticized USAID as a “criminal organization,” while Trump labeled its leadership “radical lunatics.” The restructuring aims to cut wasteful spending and align the agency with U.S. policy goals.

Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas has taken a playful jab at Elon Musk amid the USAID shutdown controversy. In a post on X, Srinivas quipped about raising $500 billion from USAID, daring Musk to stop him. His remark follows Musk’s recent criticism of the agency, calling it a “criminal organization.”

The Trump administration has drastically downsized USAID, citing corruption and inefficiency. Plans are underway to merge the agency with the State Department, leaving fewer than 300 staff members. Previously, USAID employed over 10,000 personnel worldwide.

Musk and Trump have both denounced USAID’s operations, with Trump labeling its leadership as “radical lunatics.” The administration aims to realign the agency with its policy priorities.

Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available statements and news reports. Opinions expressed by individuals, including Musk and Srinivas, are their own and do not reflect any official position.

source ; The Indian Express