Elon Musk Claims Deaths in Africa Decreased After Aid Cuts

Elon Musk claimed on Tuesday that deaths across Africa have declined despite significant cuts to United States foreign aid, specifically referencing the reduction of funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Musk argued that the cuts, which he believes were necessary to curb waste and corruption, did not result in an increase in mortality rates. He cited 2025 mortality data from several African countries, asserting that the data shows no measurable increase in deaths following the aid cuts.

Musk's comments came in response to criticism regarding the efficiency of government spending, particularly concerning the funding cuts that have affected USAID programs. He referenced an analysis focusing on South Africa, which included a graph tracking weekly deaths from January 2023 to May 2026, indicating that excess deaths remain close to zero.

Musk's defense of the funding cuts included a reference to a 2019 study questioning the overall impact of foreign aid on health outcomes in developing countries.