The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is facing mounting criticism following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, pausing foreign assistance for 90 days. The move comes amid allegations of excessive and questionable spending by the agency, prompting investigations and administrative action.
President Trump, who has long criticized USAID’s operations, stated, “USAID is being run by radical lunatics,” vowing to eliminate what he calls “waste, fraud, and abuse.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio also weighed in, calling USAID a “global charity” operating with little regard for U.S. national interests. As a result, USAID’s Washington headquarters has been temporarily closed, and several senior officials have been placed on leave pending investigations.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee, chaired by Representative Brian Mast, recently disclosed a series of expenditures that it described as “outrageous.” The committee’s findings include the following:
- $15 million for condoms for the Taliban – Representative Mast claimed that USAID allocated this sum to provide condoms to the Taliban, an extremist group known for suppressing women’s rights.
- $446,000 to promote atheism in Nepal – Funds were allegedly funneled to promote secularism in the predominantly Hindu nation.
- $47,000 for a transgender opera in Colombia – U.S. taxpayer dollars were reportedly used to fund a transgender-themed opera performance.
- $20,600 for drag shows in Ecuador – USAID provided grants to LGBTQ organizations, including funds used for a two-day drag workshop.
- $350 million for a pier in Gaza – The project, ostensibly for humanitarian aid, has been criticized as potentially benefiting terrorist groups.
- $1 million for LGBTQ advocacy in Africa – Funds were allocated to promote LGBTQ rights in West and Central Africa despite opposition from local governments.
- $3 million for LGBTQ initiatives in the Caribbean – Critics argue that there was no clear explanation of how these funds were distributed.
- $55,000 for a climate change seminar in Argentina – The event was exclusively open to female and LGBTQ journalists, raising inclusivity concerns.
- $2 million for gender reassignment procedures in Guatemala – Funding was allocated for medical procedures and activism in a traditionally conservative country.
- $425,000 to make Indonesian coffee businesses more gender-inclusive – This initiative sparked debate over its relevance to American taxpayers.
- $32,000 for a transgender comic book in Peru – Funds were used to create an LGBTQ-focused publication.
- Millions to EcoHealth Alliance, linked to the Wuhan Lab – USAID has reportedly supported the organization connected to controversial COVID-19 research.
- Food aid reaching al-Qaeda fighters in Syria – Reports indicate that humanitarian assistance may have inadvertently benefited extremist groups.
- Hundreds of millions for Afghan poppy cultivation – USAID’s investments in irrigation and farming allegedly helped sustain the Taliban’s heroin trade.
- $14 million in cash vouchers for migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border – Critics claim the policy encourages illegal immigration.
The White House and congressional Republicans have called for greater oversight and accountability in USAID’s financial decisions. The agency has yet to officially respond to the allegations, but investigations are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
(With inputs from Times of India)
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