Former Republican Representative Liz Cheney found herself in the midst of a social media storm after defending her past work at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The agency has recently become a primary target of the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative spearheaded by Elon Musk, focused on reducing government spending. The online exchange began when Musk responded to a post criticizing Cheney's connection to USAID, prompting Cheney to defend her work and America's role in the Cold War.

Cheney highlighted her pride in America's historical efforts to combat Soviet communism and promote democracy, suggesting Musk's unfamiliarity with this period due to his not being an American citizen at the time. This comment drew criticism from several conservatives who defended Musk's knowledge of American history and questioned Cheney's own patriotism. Some critics pointed to her father's involvement in the military-industrial complex and the Iraq War, while others criticized her stance on immigration.

The debate around Cheney's USAID involvement follows DOGE's actions that have effectively led to the agency's shutdown. The White House justified this move, citing USAID's alleged lack of accountability and wasteful spending on bureaucratic projects. While the future of USAID remains uncertain, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, appointed as acting director, has indicated a comprehensive overhaul of the agency, mirroring similar efforts at the State Department.