White House flags top USAID boondoggles under Elon Musk’s microscope

The White House has recently revealed a list of projects overseen by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) that it deems as “waste and abuse.” This revelation comes as part of Elon Musk’s efforts to cut costs and dismantle the long-standing foreign aid provider. Musk, serving as a “special government employee,” is leading the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been tasked with identifying and eliminating top spending initiatives.

According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, USAID has been funneling substantial sums of money to what the administration considers as controversial and questionable projects without sufficient oversight. The White House highlighted several programs funded by USAID that it believes to be inappropriate uses of taxpayer funds. These include initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in various countries, LGBTQI programs, and even support for terrorists in certain regions.

One of the flagged programs was a $1.5 million project aimed at advancing DEI in Serbia’s workplaces and business communities, as well as a $70,000 initiative for a DEI musical in Ireland. Additionally, funding for LGBTQI programs such as a “transgender opera” in Colombia, a “transgender comic book” in Peru, and $2 million for sex changes and LGBT activism in Guatemala were also called into question by the White House.

While the future of USAID remains uncertain, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been appointed as the agency’s acting director. Rubio expressed agreement with the White House’s decision to overhaul the agency, stating that reforms were necessary. However, legal questions have arisen regarding the White House’s authority to dismantle an independent agency like USAID.

Despite the administration’s efforts to reform USAID, protests have erupted outside the agency’s headquarters, with employees and supporters expressing their discontent with the shutdown. Rubio condemned the protests as “rank insubordination” and emphasized the need for cooperation in implementing the necessary changes within the agency.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the administration will proceed with its plans to reshape USAID and address the concerns raised about its funding allocations. The controversy surrounding the agency underscores the challenges of balancing foreign aid programs with accountability and transparency in government spending.