Millions of US tax dollars sent to rightwing European thinktanks. Did any Trump supporters vote for that? | Arwa Mahdawi

In February 2025, former US President Donald Trump posted a series of claims on social media, criticizing the US Agency for International Development (USAID) as corrupt and wasteful. Trump specifically called for the agency's closure, stating that it was "spending millions on condoms for Gaza" and other frivolous expenditures. This sentiment echoed his previous administration's rhetoric, which often favored "America first" policies aimed at prioritizing domestic concerns over international aid.

Following Trump's accusations, USAID was effectively disbanded, with the majority of its employees placed on indefinite administrative leave. The move was marketed as part of Trump's campaign to focus American resources on internal issues rather than foreign aid. Critics of the agency, including Fox News, circulated misleading claims to support Trump's narrative, such as the false assertion that USAID was funding condom distribution in Gaza. However, these allegations contained no factual basis.

The closure of USAID represented a significant betrayal of the American people, particularly those in impoverished communities. While Trump's administration claimed to be acting in the best interests of the nation, the agency's critics argued that it was essential for alleviating global challenges and improving the lives of people worldwide. The decision to shut down USAID appeared to prioritize political expediency over the well-being of both domestic and international citizens.