Donald Trump’s administration has been accused of targeting USAID, an agency critical to international humanitarian aid, for allegedly funding organizations involved in anti-India activities. The Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, linked to terrorism, had received funding despite sanctions. The recent appointment of Marco Rubio and internal controversies at USAID have raised significant legal and political questions.
Former President Donald Trump’s administration has reportedly targeted USAID, a government agency founded in 1961 to promote humanitarian efforts and counter Soviet influence during the Cold War. Recently, USAID’s online presence diminished amid allegations of funding organizations involved in anti-India activities, including the Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), linked to terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Media investigations indicated that FIF received support through USAID despite ongoing U.S. sanctions, implicating it in activities associated with the 2008 Mumbai attacks. In February 2025, Trump named Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the acting administrator of USAID, signaling a shift towards increased oversight from the State Department. This move attracts scrutiny as Democrats assert that the president cannot unilaterally dismantle a federal agency without Congressional approval.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Levitt criticized the agency’s funding of projects deemed unnecessary, suggesting misallocation of taxpayer resources. Reports also surfaced regarding internal strife within USAID, where around 60 employees faced suspensions for allegedly undermining an executive order governing foreign aid. Additionally, another official was placed on leave for attempting to counteract those actions.
The Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation is recognized by both the U.S. and India as a supporter of Lashkar-e-Taiba, highlighting concerns over funding channels from agencies like USAID which had previously designated FIF as a terrorist organization until 2010.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) plays a critical role in global humanitarian activities, originally established to counteract the Soviet Union’s influence. However, recent allegations emerged that USAID funds are misallocated to organizations engaged in anti-India actions, leading to extensive media scrutiny. With significant implications for U.S. foreign aid policies, investigations into its operational transparency have arisen as political tensions escalate around the agency’s funding practices.
The scrutiny surrounding USAID highlights a crucial conflict over U.S. foreign aid and its application. Allegations of funding terrorist-linked groups raise significant national security concerns, compounded by political maneuvers within the Trump administration to restructure the agency. As investigations continue, the debate regarding the legality of presidential actions and the importance of Congressional oversight remains vital in shaping future U.S. foreign aid strategies.
Original Source: www.india.com
