Based on these approximations…
USAID’s total expenditure from 1961 to 2023, adjusted for inflation, is estimated to be around…
$14.3 trillion in nominal dollars.
Discussion
I don't think the issue is with cutting spending. Clinton and Obama significantly cut spending too. The problem is that according to the law, congress does it.
This money was approved and budgeted by congress. What is Elon and Musk doing with this extra money if they are not spending it?
So congress approved spending, on spending like USAID.
Will congress approve money for USAID next time considering what was just exposed?
If they discover that 50% of Medicare/Medicaid is waste, don’t you think that will affect future spending?
Elon and his musk aren’t getting any new money, they are preventing dollars from being spent.