Hungarian Official Condemns USAID as a Tool of U.S. Domestic Interference Under Biden Administration

Hungarian Official Condemns USAID as a Tool of U.S. Domestic Interference Under Biden Administration

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has come under fire recently, especially following President Trump’s focus on reducing its budget. During Trump’s second term, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by Elon Musk, has scrutinized the foreign aid agency, drawing attention from both allies and opponents abroad.

Hungarian Foreign Minister’s Critique

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital at the United Nations, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó expressed his criticisms of USAID’s operations. Although he emphasized a lack of interest in U.S. domestic matters, he articulated concerns about USAID’s role during Biden’s presidency.

Szijjártó remarked, “The former administration couldn’t digest that we weren’t ready to give up our national positions. We were not prepared to sacrifice our national interests.” His remarks shed light on a perception of ideological divergence between Hungary and the U.S.

Allegations of Destabilization

The Minister went further, accusing the Biden administration of misusing USAID to destabilize other nations. He claimed the agency funded programs that conflicted with the cultural values and traditions of various countries.

“If you ask me whether it’s good to us that there’s a revision period of 90 days regarding payments from USAID, we are very happy,” Szijjártó added, hinting at a possible need for more scrutiny over financial allocations.

Politico Funding Controversy

The spotlight on USAID intensified when Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticized the agency after reports surfaced about its funding of Politico, a liberal media outlet. Orbán’s statements suggested a broader narrative of disillusionment with Western media and its ties to U.S. foreign aid.

He tweeted, “We had to endure for years that the ultra-progressive, self-proclaimed human rights champions of the mainstream media demonized patriotic political forces for years. They did it because they were paid to do so by USAID and the previous, left-wing U.S. administration.” Orbán’s words imply a growing distrust among certain governments regarding the motivations behind U.S. foreign aid initiatives.

White House Acknowledgment

At a recent press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that over $8 million in taxpayer dollars were allocated to Politico. Leavitt indicated that DOGE is investigating possible cancellations of those payments. However, Politico countered this claim by stating it had never benefited from U.S. government programs.

Elon Musk’s Strong Remarks

Elon Musk, the driving force behind the cost-cutting efforts at DOGE, referred to USAID as a “viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists who hate America.” His comments reflect a strong stance among the current administration that seeks to reform or completely revamp the foreign aid system.

Examples of Alleged Misuse

On Monday, the Trump White House presented a detailed list showcasing alleged waste and misuse at USAID. According to the information released, the agency had disbursed funds for various controversial projects, including:

• $6 million allocated for tourism promotion in Egypt.
• $1.5 million earmarked for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Serbia.
• $47,000 for a unique