The Trump administration’s scrutiny of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has uncovered significant issues related to foreign aid distribution, raising alarms about the flow of millions in taxpayer dollars to groups connected to terrorism, including Hamas. According to reports, the agency’s aid operations have not only been under question but have also allegedly supported Hamas even after the group’s violent actions on October 7, 2023.
During a recent House hearing, Greg Roman, the Executive Director of the Middle East Forum, detailed his concerns. He revealed that more than $2.1 billion from American taxpayers went to Gaza since that tragic day. This financial aid reportedly continued through emergency measures, intended for organizations previously vetted by the U.S. government. Yet, Roman argued that usual scrutiny was sidestepped due to these emergency waivers, enabling approximately 90% of the aid to end up in Hamas-held territories.
“This is ridiculous,” Roman exclaimed while advocating for accountability. He accused the U.S. assistance of indirectly propping up Hamas, which provided the group with resources to sustain itself until a ceasefire was agreed upon.
Despite attempts to obtain comments from USAID regarding the ongoing disbursement of funds post-October 7, no response was received. This lack of communication has intensified scrutiny over the agency’s practices and accountability.
Controversial Funding Practices
Critics, including Senator Ted Cruz, have been vocal about the funding issues for years. Cruz recounted his efforts to halt the appointment of USAID’s Middle East director when he discovered the agency was funneling taxpayer money to groups linked to Hamas. “They were trying to keep it in darkness,” he stated, reflecting the secrecy surrounding these operations. Additionally, Avi Abelow from Pulse of Israel underscored disconcerting patterns, noting that funds did not cease even after the October attack.
Abelow further connected the dots between USAID funding and broader Palestinian Authority initiatives, labeling them both as hostile to Israel’s existence. He pointed out that the money given to the authority was partially allocated to pay for Hamas terrorists, thereby complicating the landscape of who benefits from U.S. aid.
In further assertions, Abelow recalled that a $310 million USAID investment meant for a Palestinian cement factory project back in 2016 may have inadvertently supported Hamas by providing materials for their operations. With substantial underground tunnel construction in Gaza—reportedly around 500 kilometers—he questioned the true nature of this funding. Abelow expressed frustration, saying this illustrates deeper systemic issues in U.S. policy towards the region.
Shifting Perspectives on U.S. Aid
Historically, some administrations aimed to control allies through conditional support, discussing solutions that critics claim compromised Israel’s security for broader political agendas. “They wanted Israel to be small,” Abelow argued, attributing this perspective to a long-standing U.S. diplomatic strategy that presumed reliance on American interventions.
The stance appears to be shifting under the Trump administration, with numerous voices suggesting that a favored approach now prioritizes Israel’s strength. Abelow noted, “We need Israel to be strong. It’s in American foreign policy’s interest that Israel be strong.” The suggestion is that a robust Israel benefits not just from a defense perspective but aligns with U.S. interests globally. Trump seems to be on a mission to alter the trajectory of past U.S. foreign aid to align more closely with this philosophy.
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