USAID Staff Recalled Amid Scrutiny Over Spending Practices
USAID is recalling staff from overseas missions amid allegations of fiscal irresponsibility and a lack of accountability as the Trump administration scrutinizes its spending practices.
Overseas missions for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have reportedly been told to shut down, with staffers being recalled to the United States by Friday.
CBS News reported that Peter Marocco, the director of foreign assistance at the State Department, instructed the agency's leadership that those who do not comply will be evacuated by the military.
USAID has recently come under scrutiny from the Trump administration regarding its spending practices. The White House stated that for decades, USAID has been "unaccountable to taxpayers" as it distributes large sums of money to questionable projects without proper oversight.
Critics highlight that USAID has allocated millions for programs deemed controversial, notably diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives established during the Biden administration.
In an interview with Fox News, Rubio expressed concerns that USAID has evolved into an agency that operates independently of U.S. government interests, acting more like a global charity.
Rubio emphasized that the agency's attitude shows resistance to compliance, saying, "Their basic attitude is: 'We don't work for anyone. We work for ourselves.'" He also noted that U.S. embassies worldwide have reported that USAID's actions often undermine their efforts.
Sen. Jodi Ernst also voiced the need for scrutiny of every dollar given to USAID. She referenced incidents where humanitarian aid intended for civilians in Syria allegedly ended up benefiting terrorists and how funds were wasted on projects such as Moroccan pottery classes.
Other controversial expenditures included funds for models to participate in global Fashion Weeks and unsuccessful agricultural programs in Afghanistan aimed at reducing opium cultivation, which reportedly doubled.
Furthermore, USAID's extravagant spending included a $20 million project to create a Sesame Street in Iraq, highlighting the agency's misallocation of resources.
