USAID head signals potential charges for foreign aid fraud
The acting head of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Peter Marocco, revealed to congressional lawmakers on Wednesday that his team was preparing potential criminal referrals against those who misused taxpayer dollars intended for foreign development programs. This announcement was made during a closed-door meeting with members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
An internal review is currently in its early stages, but Marocco’s team believes they have uncovered a pattern of illegal activity within the agency, which is the main component used by the United States to deliver foreign aid. Marocco, who has been tasked by President Donald Trump with dismantling USAID, stated that they are looking closely at contracts and grants awarded by the agency.
USAID plays a crucial role in promoting stability, economic growth, and providing humanitarian assistance in fragile regions. However, the agency has come under scrutiny for its lack of accountability. U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., chairman of the foreign affairs panel, highlighted the challenges in holding USAID accountable, stating that many of the programs within the agency were designed to evade scrutiny.
The Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has targeted USAID as one of its first objectives in rooting out wasteful spending. This initiative has faced legal challenges, with the Supreme Court recently denying the administration’s request to block a lower court’s order to make nearly $2 billion in USAID payments.
As the investigation into potential criminal activity at USAID progresses, international aid groups and contractors are anxiously awaiting the outcome. Fox News Digital has reached out to USAID for comment on these developments. Breanne Deppisch from Fox News Digital has contributed to this report.
It is essential to hold those accountable who misuse taxpayer dollars meant for foreign development programs. The findings of the internal review at USAID will shed light on any wrongdoing and ensure that funds are used appropriately to support those in need around the world.
