US Congressman Accuses USAID Of Funding Terrorist Groups.
US Congressman Scott Perry has alleged that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been involved in funding terrorist organisations, including Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda. Speaking at a congressional hearing on government inefficiency and waste, Perry claimed that significant amounts of taxpayer money were being diverted to extremist groups.
Allegations of Misuse of Funds
During the hearing, titled “The War on Waste: Stamping Out the Scourge of Improper Payments and Fraud,” Perry expressed concerns over $697 million in annual USAID funding, which he alleged was being funnelled into terrorist training camps and religious schools (Madrasas).
He also pointed to a $136 million initiative meant to construct 120 schools in Pakistan, claiming that there was no evidence of their existence. He further criticised USAID’s education programmes in Afghanistan, arguing that the Taliban’s restrictions on women made it unlikely that funds were being used to empower them.
“You are funding terrorism, and it’s coming through USAID,” Perry asserted, calling for greater accountability in foreign aid distribution.
Calls for USAID’s Closure
Perry’s accusations align with the views of former US President Donald Trump, who has long advocated for the shutdown of USAID, citing corruption concerns. Elon Musk, who Trump appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has also been vocal about his opposition to the agency, labelling it “a viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists.”
Musk has gone as far as to claim that USAID has engaged in covert operations and even played a role in bioweapon research, including COVID-19. Meanwhile, Trump has stated that DOGE will work to cut excessive government spending, restructure agencies, and eliminate inefficiencies.
Awaiting USAID’s Response
USAID has yet to respond to the allegations, but the claims are expected to spark further debate over foreign aid oversight and government spending.
