USAID activists say stopping ‘corporate welfare’ outweighs ending funds to terror-linked groups

Protesters in Washington, D.C. are voicing their concerns about the sweep of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), calling for an end to what they refer to as “corporate welfare” before addressing funding allegations linked to terrorist groups. Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been leading a review of wasteful spending within USAID, the government entity responsible for foreign aid distribution.

Recent reports have revealed that USAID and the State Department have channeled at least $122 million to groups associated with designated terrorists and their supporters. Additionally, a White House report highlighted $15 million of taxpayer money being used to purchase condoms for the Taliban, a recognized terrorist organization.

Protesters outside the U.S. Capitol shared their thoughts on the matter, emphasizing the need to prioritize domestic welfare over foreign aid. One protester criticized the billions in subsidies given to corporations like Tesla and SpaceX, stating that addressing corporate welfare should take precedence over international funding.

Another protester echoed similar sentiments, stating that allocating money to issues that do not directly benefit Americans is unreasonable. The focus, according to them, should be on aiding individuals within the country who are struggling before extending assistance to other nations.

When questioned about funding for terrorist-linked groups, a member of Veterans for Peace acknowledged the need for scrutiny but pointed out that foreign aid makes up less than 1% of the U.S. budget. They emphasized that programs supporting unsavory groups are in the minority and should be evaluated periodically.

The protests also targeted Elon Musk’s involvement in the government’s cost-cutting measures, with demonstrators expressing opposition to his role in overseeing USAID spending reductions. Despite the backlash, Musk and President Donald Trump have agreed on the necessity of shutting down the agency.

Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Gregory Meeks, spoke at the rally to denounce the alleged misuse of taxpayer funds by USAID. The White House report disclosed various expenditures, such as funding to assist Indonesian coffee companies in becoming more environmentally and socially conscious.

In conclusion, the protests underscore a growing concern over the allocation of taxpayer money, with a particular focus on addressing domestic needs before extending aid to other countries. The debate surrounding USAID’s funding practices continues to unfold, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability in government spending.

This article was rewritten by Aubrie Spady for Fox News Digital, incorporating key points from the original source while presenting a fresh perspective on the ongoing protests against USAID’s spending policies.