US Congressman Accuses USAID of Funding ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Affiliates  

WASHINGTON — A U.S. congressman has accused the United States Agency for International Development (U of inadvertently financing terrorist organizations, including the Islamic State (ISIS), Al-Qaeda, and their affiliates like Boko Haram, escalating tensions over the embattled agency's operations.

Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., made the allegations Thursday during the inaugural session of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE), an advisory body established by President Donald Trump and led by billionaire Elon Musk. The subcommittee, tasked with slashing government spending, has been accused by critics of illegally interfering with federal agencies, including USAID, which has suspended all global operations amid the controversy.

"Your money, $697 million annually, plus shipments of cash, funds ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS Khorasan, and terrorist training camps," Perry said in a one-minute video that has since circulated widely on social media. "That's what it's funding." He offered no evidence to support his claims in the video, prompting Democrats to accuse Republicans of demonizing USAID to justify dismantling it.

Perry also criticized USAID's reported $136 million expenditure to build 120 schools in Pakistan, alleging there is "zero evidence" the schools were constructed.

The allegations align with broader criticisms from Trump and Musk, who have repeatedly targeted USAID. Trump has accused the agency of corruption, while Musk, appointed to lead DOGE, has called it a "viper's nest of radical-left Marxists who hate America." Musk has further claimed, without evidence, that USAID engaged in "rogue CIA work" and funded bioweapon research, including COVID-19 studies.

Most allegations against USAID remain unproven, and Trump's critics, including many Democrats, argue that he and Musk are misrepresenting the agency's work for political gain.

The controversy has fueled debate over U.S. foreign aid and counterterrorism efforts, with Perry's claims raising questions about oversight and accountability. However, Democrats contend the accusations are part of a broader effort to undermine USAID, which has long supported humanitarian and development initiatives worldwide.

GAROWE ONLINE