Is USAID, which Musk accuses of corruption, working for the CIA? Allegations shaking the US

Compiled by: Suat TEKİN - 12punto.com.tr

Elon Musk, who was appointed to head the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), had stated that his mission was to cut the budget and end 'unnecessary work.' Two weeks after taking office, Musk announced that he had 'declared war' on USAID, claiming that his team at DOGE had uncovered massive corruption in the US. USAID, known as the umbrella organization that organizes US aid worldwide, denied the allegations.

While Democratic politicians support USAID, Musk and Republicans claim the agency has been 'stealing money from US taxpayers.' In the past, USAID had also been accused by Russia of organizing coups in Ukraine and Georgia.

According to claims by Sputnik, the uprising process that led to the overthrow of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in 2014 was organized by former US State Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland and USAID. Russia reported that the US spent 4 to 5 billion dollars through USAID for the 'coup.'

Former State Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland, targeted by Musk due to allegations regarding USAID, has not yet responded to the claims

According to posts Musk made on his social media account, USAID used US money in other countries to spread ''atheism, LGBT 'ideology', and communism.'' White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt supported the allegations with documents she released to the press.

Regarding the funds distributed by USAID found in the documents she disclosed, Leavitt noted the following:

''1.5 million dollars were spent by USAID to support DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs in Serbia, 70 thousand dollars for DEI programs in Ireland, 47 thousand dollars for organizing a 'trans' opera in Colombia, and 32 thousand dollars for a children's book explaining gender equality in Peru.''

According to a report in The Economic Times, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in an interview with the press that they had only received 75 billion dollars of the 177 billion dollars in aid promised by the US. Last week, Trump halted all military aid to Ukraine. USAID played a critical role in the aid provided to Ukraine. The agency, whose primary purpose is to ''organize US civilian aid,'' distributed a significant portion of the money going to Ukraine through international agencies affiliated with it.

Furthermore, in a statement to the press over the weekend, Trump announced that they wanted Ukraine's valuable minerals in exchange for the aid. US aid resumed after Zelenskyy's statement that he 'did not know where nearly 100 billion dollars of the money went.' It is not yet clear whether Ukraine will give its minerals to the US. Placing USAID employees on leave means that aid to Ukraine through this agency will not be continued. It is unknown how much of the 177 billion dollars in alleged aid USAID organized.

In his interview, Zelenskyy expressed that mines and mineral deposits could be given to the US in exchange for aid in the war. Trump had said, 'We want the mineral deposits and the mines,' without specifying which mines he wanted from Ukraine or for how long

'THE BEGINNING OF A DICTATORSHIP'

On the other hand, Democrats opposed the targeting of USAID by DOGE and the White House. Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy and US Representative Ilhan Omar attended a meeting held by USAID employees in front of the agency's building. Murphy claimed that Musk does billions of dollars in business with China and that this is the reason for what is happening to USAID. Omar described the events as the 'beginning of a dictatorship.'

Addressing the targeting of USAID by Musk at the meeting, Murphy said the following regarding the placing of USAID employees on leave:

''America is safe because of what happens at USAID. USAID is fighting terrorist groups all over the world... USAID is chasing China all over the world. It prevents (China) from monopolizing critical minerals and economic contracts. It supports the heroes fighting in Ukraine. Let's understand why this (the attack on USAID) is being done. Elon Musk makes billions of dollars from his business with China. What is being done to USAID is being applauded by China.''

I went to the steps of USAID to tell the truth about how USAID protects America and the real reason Elon Musk wants to shut it down. pic.twitter.com/vsDUMPDAvb

— Chris Murphy ?? (@ChrisMurphyCT) February 3, 2025

At the same time, Ilhan Omar also supported USAID with her speech. In her speech, Omar included the following statements:

''It is a truly very sad day in America... We are facing a constitutional crisis. We talked about Trump wanting to be a dictator from day one, and here we are. This is how the beginning of a dictatorship looks. This is what it looks like when you bypass the Constitution and make yourself the sole power.''

US Representative Ilhan Omar

WHAT IS USAID?

USAID (United States Agency for International Development) is known as a federal agency that carries out the international development and humanitarian aid activities of the United States. More than half of the foreign aid provided by the US was distributed by USAID.

Founded in 1961, USAID has carried out projects worldwide with goals such as reducing poverty, supporting democratic governance, promoting economic growth, and making improvements in the fields of health, education, and the environment. In this context, it is known that USAID finances US international non-governmental organizations.

The agency has undertaken various tasks such as providing emergency aid in disaster situations and developing long-term development programs. On USAID's official website, it was noted that as part of US foreign policy, it aims to 'contribute to increasing global stability and prosperity.'

On Tuesday night, the agency's official website was closed to access. It was written on the site that all personnel had been placed on leave globally and that information regarding the agency's new 'leadership team' would be shared on Thursday.

News Source: 12punto