By Mirna Fahmy

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) finds itself at the center of political and public controversy following President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze its funding. This move has sparked divisions both within the United States and internationally, with critics decrying the decision as a retreat from humanitarian commitments while supporters praise it as an effort to curb inefficiency and political bias in foreign aid.

Trump’s USAID Freeze and Its Immediate Impact

Upon assuming office in January 2025, President Trump signed an executive memo halting USAID’s $40 billion funding for 90 days. The decision had immediate consequences: thousands of students worldwide lost access to scholarships, and nearly all 10,000 USAID employees faced layoffs. However, The New York Times reported that a small group of workers specializing in health and humanitarian aid were expected to remain.

Founded by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, USAID has been one of the largest global aid agencies, operating in over 100 countries. The Trump administration, however, criticized it as a vehicle for what it called “radical left lunatics.” In a press conference, Trump justified the freeze by stating:

“What they were doing—and the money they were giving to people who shouldn’t be getting it, as well as to agencies and others who shouldn’t be receiving it—was a shame.”

To oversee USAID’s restructuring, Trump appointed Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X, to lead the overhaul. The President argued that Musk’s expertise in efficiency made him the right person for the job, stating, “If anyone knows efficiency, it’s the guy who made fully reusable rockets a thing.”

Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the USAID Takeover

In late January 2025, Musk established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with investigating USAID’s operations and funding allocations. DOGE operatives reportedly attempted unauthorized access to USAID’s secure systems, raising legal and ethical concerns.

Musk was vocal in his criticism of USAID, calling it a “radical-left political psy-op” and claiming that it had become too politically biased to be salvaged. Trump echoed these sentiments and proposed consolidating USAID under the State Department. As the administration moved forward with this plan, USAID’s website was abruptly taken offline, further alarming staff and international aid organizations.

Backlash and Political Response

The decision to dismantle USAID triggered strong opposition. Protesters and Democratic lawmakers gathered outside USAID headquarters in Washington, D.C., expressing outrage over Trump’s actions. Many also condemned Musk’s involvement, arguing that he had no official authority over a government agency.

Congressman Jamie Raskin of Maryland responded directly to Musk:

“Elon, you didn’t create USAID—the United States Congress did, for the American people. Just like a president cannot unilaterally impound the people’s money, we don’t have a fourth branch of government called Elon.”

Banners in Washington streets displaying an advertisement featuring USAID’s logo and calling to “eliminate” Elon have drawn congressional attention.

Critics argue that eliminating USAID weakens U.S. influence and abandons vulnerable populations that depend on American humanitarian aid. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to ease concerns, stating in an interview with Fox News:

“Every penny we spend on foreign aid needs to be in furtherance of national interest and foreign policy. This is not about ending USAID programs entirely—it’s about how the agency operates.”

Revelations About USAID’s Funding and Controversial Allocations

As DOGE investigated USAID, reports surfaced about questionable spending practices under previous administrations. Among the findings:

• $37 million was earmarked for the World Health Organization (WHO).
• $50 million was designated for condom distribution in Gaza, though it was later clarified that the funds were intended for Mozambique to combat HIV/AIDS.
• $53 million allegedly went to EcoHealth Alliance for gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, where COVID-19 likely originated.
• $1.5 million was spent on a Kenyan soap opera promoting HIV/AIDS awareness.
• $27 million funded Moroccan pottery classes to help artisans develop global business skills.
• $20 million went to Pakistan’s adaptation of Sesame Street to promote education.
• $7million promoting Egypt’s tourism. 

One of the most controversial revelations was that USAID reportedly financed 16 Ukrainian fire departments with equipment and training while American firefighters in California struggled to receive adequate support during January wildfires.

Former U.S. State Department official Mike Benz also claimed that USAID had played a role in funding organizations that influenced domestic politics in various countries, including Bangladesh. Speaking with Tucker Carlson on X, Benz alleged that USAID-backed groups helped coordinate anti-government protests.

“They supported regime change in Bangladesh because then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resisted Washington’s push for a military facility to counter Chinese influence.”

Benz also accused USAID of financing politically motivated initiatives, including funding rap groups in Bangladesh to encourage protests. Additionally, he claimed that in 2014, USAID attempted to launch a U.S.-backed version of Twitter in Cuba to promote opposition to the Cuban government.

Financial Transparency and Corruption Allegations

Musk’s DOGE investigation also brought attention to questionable financial gains made by high-ranking officials during Biden’s administration. Samantha Power, former USAID chief under Biden, reportedly saw her net worth increase from $6.7 million to $30 million in just three years despite earning a government salary of $180,000. Similar scrutiny has been placed on Senator Elizabeth Warren, whose net worth reached $12 million while earning $200,000 annually.

Further allegations link USAID funding to illegal immigration. Investigative journalist Ben Bergquam of Real America’s Voice suggested that USAID funds were funneled through NGOs to facilitate illegal migration. He argued that the agency’s financial ties to organizations working with the cartels made it more difficult for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to apprehend undocumented individuals.

A particularly shocking revelation was that USAID allegedly funded the college tuition of Anwar al-Awlaki, who later became a top recruiter for al-Qaeda before being killed in a U.S. drone strike. Al-Awlaki reportedly obtained a taxpayer-funded J-1 visa by falsely claiming U.S. nationality. Affirming US fundings to al Qaeda, ​​Trump’s new Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard revealed that US President Barack Obama used to work with, arming and equipping al Qaeda to overthrow the Syrian regime of Bashar Al-Assad.

Media Influence and Political Targeting

Reports also emerged that USAID played a role in shaping media narratives. Benz alleged that Jeanne Bourgault, CEO of government-funded Internews, pressured advertisers to defund non-approved news sources. Additionally, USAID reportedly provided $20 million to the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), whose investigations contributed to Trump’s first impeachment.

Despite being part of a UK state-funded broadcaster, the BBC was also implicated, with records showing that BBC Media Action received $3.3 million from USAID between 2023 and 2024. BBC Media Action also receives $3.8 million from the UK Foreign Office and $1.7 million from the European Commission on a regular basis.

The Global Impact of DOGE’s Investigations

The effects of DOGE’s investigations have reached beyond the U.S. Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Reform Party, has publicly called for a similar initiative to investigate British government funding. Meanwhile, Greek Parliament member Fragkos Emmanouil has requested DOGE’s assistance in uncovering U.S. funding directed toward Greek NGOs involved in illegal migration.

Conclusion

As the Trump administration moves forward with its efforts to overhaul USAID, legal and political battles are intensifying. A federal judge, Amir Ali, has temporarily blocked Trump’s attempts to place thousands of USAID employees on leave while a lawsuit from government workers proceeds.

Trump responded by posting on social media:

“DOGE has found massive amounts of FRAUD, WASTE, INCOMPETENCE, AND ABUSE. But a highly political judge wants us to make payments anyway. It doesn’t make sense!!!”

With USAID’s fate uncertain, the controversy surrounding its funding, influence, and future role continues to unfold.