President Donald Trump has decided to shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which works for international development. Trump has always been a critic of USAID, and right after assuming power, he suspended foreign aid given by the agency for 90 days. Declaring the halt in foreign aid, Trump remarked that the agency is run by 'radical lunatics,' vowing to end what he sees as 'wasteful spending' and 'fraud.' The Trump administration has decided to retain only 300 of the agency's 8,000 employees.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, Brian Mast, has unveiled information under the Biden administration about the expenditures made by the agency. His disclosures are somewhat startling, including funding drag shows in Ecuador, providing cash vouchers to illegal migrants, and giving condoms to the Taliban.
The committee has shared details about the agency's expenditures, calling them disgraceful. A video featuring Brian Mast explaining the expenses has surfaced.
USAID's $15 million worth of condoms to Taliban-
Mast alleged in the video that USAID provided $15 million worth of condoms to the Taliban. The Taliban, known for suppressing women's rights, currently governs Afghanistan. Mast mocked the Taliban spending on condoms, saying, 'I don't think they would have perished without condoms.'
Previously, White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt mentioned plans to allocate $5 million worth of condoms to Gaza under the Biden administration, which was halted by Trump's administration, though no evidence was provided.
$446,000 to promote atheism in Nepal-
An American official revealed that substantial funds were spent in Nepal to promote atheism. Through the State Department, USAID allocated nearly half a million dollars to boost atheism in Nepal.
$47,000 for a transgender-themed opera in Colombia-
The U.S. government spent thousands of dollars funding a transgender-themed opera in Colombia, raising questions about USAID's relevance.
$20,600 for a drag show in Ecuador-
As part of an LGBTQ cultural initiative, USAID paid for drag performances in Ecuador. According to the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Ecuadorian LGBTQ organization Fundación Dialogo Diverso received about $75,000 over three years, including last year's $25,000 grant.
The organization utilized these funds to host a two-day drag workshop and make a video of it. Drag shows, traditionally adult-themed, are an entertainment form featuring drag artists performing, often held in bars or nightclubs.
$1 million to promote French-speaking LGBTQ groups in Africa-
Through the State Department, USAID allocated $1 million to advance LGBTQ rights in West and Central Africa. Many African countries reject America's imposed social policy, yet America has invested to promote these policies there.
$3 million supporting LGBTQ initiatives in the Caribbean-
USAID reportedly spent $3 million supporting LGBTQ people in the Caribbean, although specifics on distribution and necessity were not provided.
$55,000 for climate change seminars for female and LGBTQ journalists in Argentina-
The agency funded a climate change seminar in Argentina for female and LGBTQ journalists, discussing inclusivity and fairness.
$2 million for sex changes and LGBTQ activism in Guatemala-
The White House reported that USAID spent $2 million on sex change and LGBTQ activism in Guatemala, a conservative Central American country where the LGBTQ community faces challenges.
$425,000 to make Indonesian coffee companies more gender-inclusive-
American taxpayer money was spent promoting gender inclusivity within Indonesian coffee companies. These spending revelations have fueled outrage over how American taxpayers' money can be wasted on such expenditures.
$32,000 for a transgender comic book in Peru-
USAID spent $32,000 on a comic book for LGBTQ people in Peru. Critics argue that America has forcibly promoted and funded a specific culture, which they view as a waste of American taxpayers' money.
Funding food for Al-Qaeda fighters in Syria-
According to the White House, USAID spent millions to provide food in Syria, which ended up reaching Al-Qaeda-linked fighters. Critics state the agency releases funds but fails to monitor where and how they are used effectively.
Millions for opium cultivation in Afghanistan-
USAID allegedly spent millions on irrigation channels, farming equipment, and fertilizers in Afghanistan, benefiting the Taliban's opium cultivation and heroin trade. This funding aided one of the world's largest opium networks, undermining America's anti-drug efforts.
$14 million in cash vouchers for migrants at the southern border-
Amidst U.S. struggles with inflation, USAID allocated $14 million in cash vouchers for migrants at the southern border. Critics argue such policies encourage illegal immigration and misuse taxpayers' money.
