The wastefulness of USAID

A significant portion of the spending by USAID (United States Agency for International Development) can be described as “outrageous,” if not outright “controversial,” prompting the Trump administration to target the agency as a prime candidate for budget cuts. Let’s break it down…
 
“Diversity and Inclusion” Projects Abroad
Estimated Amount: Up to $1.5 million in a single case (Serbia).
Description: Reports have highlighted expenditures on “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) programs in countries like Serbia, where USAID allocated funds to promote initiatives that offer no tangible benefit to U.S. interests or its citizens. A glaring example of “ideological waste” is the sponsorship of a DEI-themed musical in Eastern Europe, costing $70,000. This is just one of many such budget items.
 
Funding for Questionable NGOs
Estimated Amount: Billions of dollars (exact figures vary by source).
Description: USAID has been used to funnel money to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) tied to political agendas linked to figures like George Soros or events like the Davos Forum, with little to no transparency for taxpayers.
 
“Environmental Studies” with Dubious Purposes
Estimated Amount: $520 million (based on specific critiques).
Description: One highly criticized expenditure is a supposed “environmental study” costing $520 million, denounced as an attempt by USAID to influence global media under the guise of “sustainability.” This is seen as exorbitant spending on “progressive” agendas that do not directly benefit Americans.
 
Questionable Humanitarian Aid in Conflicts
Estimated Amount: $3.7 billion in 2024 for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Description: While much of USAID’s foreign aid goes to humanitarian programs—like the $3.7 billion allocated in 2024 for health and refugee support in Africa—some items raise eyebrows, such as the $50 million sent to Gaza for “condoms.”
 
Global Reproductive Health Programs
Estimated Amount: Hundreds of millions annually (varies by year).
Description: USAID has historically funded reproductive health initiatives, including access to contraceptives and abortions in developing countries. These programs are viewed as a misuse of public funds to push agendas contrary to American values.
 
All these expenditures potentially add up to billions of dollars and are now in the crosshairs of the new “America First” policy. As the government points out, every budget item must answer the question: “Does this make America stronger, more prosperous, and safer?” For this reason, plans are already underway in 2025 to slash USAID’s staff from 10,000 to fewer than 300 employees and significantly reduce its budget.
 

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