The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), as its name suggests, is an organization dedicated to providing aid. Established in 1961, it distributes humanitarian and development assistance from the U.S. federal budget to countries around the world. With a significant budget, USAID operates in over 100 countries, addressing issues ranging from disaster relief and health assistance to democracy building. It is one of the key instruments of America's "soft power" globally.
One of USAID's most scrutinized branches is its Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), which claims to save lives, alleviate suffering, and reduce the impact of humanitarian crises. The BHA responds to an average of 75 disasters annually in more than 70 countries, providing aid to those affected by natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, as well as prolonged crises such as droughts and conflicts. The bureau also supports refugees fleeing war, violence, or persecution, including Syrian migrants.
However, despite its seemingly noble mission, USAID has come under intense scrutiny and criticism, particularly from the Trump administration and billionaire Elon Musk. The agency, which has long been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy, is now facing calls for its dismantling. But why would anyone want to shut down an organization that provides humanitarian aid?
The Trump-Musk Critique
On January 21, 2025, shortly after taking office, President Trump signed an executive order halting all foreign aid. The U.S. Department of State announced on January 27 that all aid distributed by USAID and other agencies would be suspended for a 90-day review period to assess whether these programs align with U.S. foreign policy objectives.
Elon Musk, appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump administration, has been particularly vocal in his criticism of USAID. Musk initially described the agency as "beyond repair," citing its lack of accountability. Tensions escalated when two security officials from Musk's department were denied access to certain information at USAID headquarters. Musk took to social media to label USAID a "criminal organization," calling it "corrupt," "evil," and a "nest of radical leftist Marxists who hate America." He even compared the agency to a "ball of worms" rather than a single rotten apple.
By February 8, 2025, Musk announced that most USAID employees, except for those in critical roles, would be placed on administrative leave. The agency's social media accounts were shut down, and plans were revealed to reduce its workforce from 10,000 to just 290 employees. This drastic downsizing has sparked widespread debate, both within the U.S. and internationally.
Allegations of Misuse and Corruption
The Trump administration and Musk have accused USAID of misusing funds and engaging in activities that go beyond its humanitarian mandate. Revelations on social media, led by Musk, have exposed what they claim to be scandalous misallocations of resources. These include:
LGBTQ+ Initiatives: USAID has funded drag queen performances in Ecuador, transgender-themed operas in Colombia, and gender-friendly coffee shops in Indonesia. Critics argue that these projects align with a "radical far-left ideology" rather than addressing urgent humanitarian needs.
Cultural Projects: USAID allocated 20 million to establish "SesameStreet" in Iraq and over 2 million to promote Moroccan pottery, despite Morocco's long history of pottery-making.
Political Interference: Allegations have surfaced that USAID funded protests against the Cuban government, supported opposition groups in Venezuela, and even played a role in the 2014 Donbass uprising in Ukraine.
Wasteful Spending: USAID reportedly spent $15 million on distributing contraceptives and condoms in Afghanistan, a move that required coordination with the Taliban. Critics argue that such spending is unnecessary and misaligned with U.S. interests.
Global Reactions
The decision to dismantle USAID has elicited mixed reactions worldwide. While some authoritarian regimes, such as those in Russia, Belarus, and Venezuela, have welcomed the move, others have expressed concern. Countries like Uganda and Belarus fear that the suspension of USAID funds could exacerbate existing crises, such as the Ebola outbreak in Uganda or the democratic reforms in Belarus.
In contrast, leaders like Hungary's Viktor Orbán and El Salvador's Nayib Bukele have praised Trump's decision, arguing that USAID has often interfered in their countries' internal affairs. Bukele, in particular, accused USAID of funding communist movements in El Salvador, claiming that only a small fraction of the aid actually reaches those in need.
The Soros Connection
Another point of contention is USAID's alleged ties to billionaire George Soros. Documents reveal that USAID has provided over $270 million to Soros-backed organizations, such as the East-West Management Institute, which promotes democratic reforms and anti-corruption initiatives in countries like Albania, Armenia, and Georgia. Critics, including Trump and Musk, argue that Soros has used USAID funds to destabilize governments in countries like India and Bangladesh.
Soros has denied these allegations, stating that his Open Society Foundations operate independently and do not receive funding from USAID. However, the controversy has further fueled the debate over USAID's role in global politics.
Media Operations and Propaganda
USAID has also been accused of funding media organizations to promote U.S. interests abroad. According to reports, USAID has provided financial support to over 6,200 journalists, 707 non-state media outlets, and 279 civil society organizations in more than 30 countries. Critics argue that this funding is used to spread propaganda rather than support independent journalism.
Elon Musk has been particularly critical of USAID's media operations, accusing the agency of paying media outlets like Politico, Associated Press, and The New York Times to publish favorable coverage. These outlets have denied the allegations, claiming that the payments were for subscription fees. However, the controversy has raised questions about the role of USAID in shaping global media narratives.
The Future of USAID
As the scandal unfolds, the future of USAID remains uncertain. The agency, once a symbol of American generosity and soft power, is now at the center of a heated debate over its purpose and effectiveness. While Trump and Musk argue that USAID has become a tool for radical leftist agendas and global interference, others fear that its dismantling could leave millions of vulnerable people without critical aid.
The controversy also highlights a broader ideological struggle within the U.S. and around the world. Trump and Musk represent a populist, "America First" approach that prioritizes national interests over global humanitarianism. In contrast, USAID's supporters argue that the agency plays a vital role in promoting democracy, equality, and human rights worldwide.
As the battle over USAID continues, one thing is clear: the agency's fate will have far-reaching implications, not just for the U.S., but for the entire world. Whether it will be reformed, dismantled, or replaced remains to be seen, but the debate over its role and purpose is far from over.
