- President Trump demands the shutdown of USAID, calling it a "criminal organization" due to alleged corruption and misuse of taxpayer funds.
- USAID is accused of funneling billions into liberal media outlets like Politico for favorable Democratic coverage.
- Elon Musk’s DOGE uncovered evidence of USAID’s wasteful spending, leading to the termination of its media contracts.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticizes USAID for operating as a "global charity" and undermining U.S. foreign policy interests.
- USAID faces accusations of funding censorship campaigns and suppressing dissenting voices, sparking bipartisan calls for reform or abolition.
In a scathing critique of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), President Donald Trump has called for the agency’s immediate shutdown, labeling it a “criminal organization” riddled with “unexplainable” levels of corruption.
Trump’s remarks, made on his Truth Social platform, come amid revelations that USAID funneled billions of taxpayer dollars into liberal media outlets like Politico, allegedly to promote favorable coverage of Democrats. The agency, which manages over $40 billion in global projects, is now under fire for its wasteful spending, lack of accountability, and alleged role in funding censorship campaigns.
USAID’s corruption and media payoffs
Trump’s accusations center on USAID’s misuse of taxpayer funds, including millions spent on media subscriptions and grants to outlets like Politico.
“USAID stole billions of dollars, much of it going to the fake news media as a ‘payoff’ for creating good stories about the Democrats,” Trump wrote. He specifically cited Politico, claiming the outlet received $8 million in government funding. While Politico denies direct funding, it confirmed that USAID paid for premium subscription services, raising questions about the agency’s priorities.
The controversy deepened when Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) uncovered evidence of USAID’s questionable spending. Musk branded the agency a “criminal organization,” and the White House swiftly moved to terminate all media contracts funded by USAID.
“The corruption is at levels rarely seen before. Close it down!” Trump declared.
Rubio’s Scathing Critique of USAID
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was tasked with overseeing USAID, echoed Trump’s concerns, accusing the agency of “rank insubordination” and operating as a “global charity” rather than a U.S. government entity.
Rubio told Fox News that the agency spends taxpayer money without regard for whether the projects are in the nation's best interests. He described USAID employees as rogue actors who undermine U.S. diplomatic efforts abroad, often supporting programs that conflict with broader foreign policy goals.
Rubio’s comments highlight a broader frustration with USAID’s lack of accountability. The agency, which employs more than 10,000 workers globally, is now facing a 97% staff reduction, with only 294 employees expected to remain. This drastic cut follows revelations that USAID funded “woke pet projects” and initiatives that critics argue were counterproductive to U.S. interests.
Funding censorship and smear campaigns
Beyond its alleged media payoffs, USAID has been accused of financing censorship and smear campaigns against dissenting voices. Investigative journalists have linked the agency to organizations like BBC Media Action and the Trusted News Initiative (TNI), which have been accused of suppressing independent journalism and promoting government-approved narratives.
The agency’s funding of anti-disinformation groups, such as the Zinc Network and v-Fluence, has also drawn criticism. These groups have targeted American journalists, politicians, and environmental activists, often under the guise of combating misinformation. For example, v-Fluence, a pesticide industry consultant funded by USAID, reportedly ran campaigns to discredit critics of industrial agriculture.
As the Trump administration moves to dismantle USAID, critics argue that the agency’s problems run deeper than wasteful spending. Its alleged role in funding censorship and undermining U.S. interests abroad has sparked bipartisan concern. While some Democrats have decried the cuts as an attack on global development, others acknowledge the need for reform.
Trump’s crackdown on USAID marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign aid policy, with a focus on accountability and national interest. Whether the agency can be reformed or must be abolished entirely remains a contentious issue. What is clear, however, is that USAID’s days of unchecked spending and alleged corruption are numbered.
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