Trump accuses USAID of multi-billion dollar corruption: 'Perhaps the biggest scandal in history'

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

U.S. President Donald Trump has targeted USAID, alleging that the agency has stolen billions of dollars. According to the Trump administration, USAID funded international mainstream media on behalf of Democrats to generate fake news and engage in 'ideological propaganda.' The Trump administration also claimed that the agency acted as an intermediary for money laundering and corrupt operations.

Trump accused the agency of 'funding the fake news media in exchange for creating positive news about Democrats.' According to the U.S. government, USAID distributed international funds to various institutions, organizations, and individuals, which were then funneled back to them and their 'partners.' Trump also stated that money was laundered through USAID.

The Trump administration has not yet provided a detailed explanation regarding the President's claims. In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused USAID of corruption, stating the following:

''It appears that billions of dollars have been stolen from USAID and other agencies. Much of the stolen money went to the fake news media in exchange for creating positive news about the Democrats. The left-wing 'Rag', also known as 'Politico' (a U.S.-based media outlet), appears to have received 8 million dollars (from USAID). Did the New York Times receive money? Who else did?''

MUSK'S ACCUSATIONS AGAINST USAID

Tech billionaire and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk, following Trump's post, alleged that the former President Joe Biden's administration provided funding to specific media outlets.

Musk, drawing attention to payments made through agencies like USAID, noted the following:

'This could be the biggest scandal of them all (scandals seen so far), perhaps the biggest in history! The Democrats cannot hide from this. It is huge, it is very dirty.'

On Wednesday, Musk made a post alleging that Politico received 8.1 million dollars from USAID. Continuing his messages on social media, Musk wrote, 'This is not the way to use taxpayers' money efficiently. This wasteful spending will be ended.'

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated in a press briefing that she had just become aware of the funding USAID provided to media outlets, including Politico.

Leavitt expressed the following views regarding USAID:

'I can confirm that the 8 million dollars spent with American taxpayer money to support subscriptions to Politico will no longer be provided. The DOGE team is currently working to cancel these payments.'

USAID was the agency that organized U.S. aid worldwide. USAID employees were placed on mandatory leave globally on Tuesday night.

DEMOCRATS SUPPORTED USAID

Democrats, who gathered in Washington last Tuesday to support USAID employees, objected to USAID being targeted by DOGE and the White House. Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy and U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar attended the meeting held by USAID employees in front of the agency building.

Murphy alleged 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 USAID being targeted by Musk at the meeting, Murphy said the following regarding the furlough of USAID employees:

''The U.S. is safe thanks to 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 earns billions of dollars from his business with China. What is being done to USAID is being applauded by China.''

WHAT IS USAID?

Founded in 1961, USAID was an agency that managed U.S. foreign development aid. The agency operated in areas such as economic development, humanitarian aid, and democratic governance.

In the agency's official agenda, its purpose was defined as 'reducing poverty worldwide' and 'supporting sustainable development.' The agency carried out projects in sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and the environment.

USAID responded to humanitarian crises by providing emergency aid in disaster situations in other countries. The agency aimed to increase the effectiveness of projects by collaborating with local partners. USAID also worked on women's empowerment and gender equality.

The agency supported strategic interests as part of U.S. foreign policy. USAID operated in more than 100 countries around the world. On the other hand, China and Russia have alleged that the agency worked with the CIA and supported terrorist organizations. Russia held USAID responsible for the 'color revolutions' that took place in the Caucasus and Eastern European countries.

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, in a post on the Russian social media platform VK, claimed that the U.S. conducted operations in Ukraine through USAID, incited the war, and organized the coup in Ukraine in 2014. Medvedev did not provide any evidence for his claims.

News Source: 12punto