Activists Demand End to ‘Corporate Welfare’ Over Funding for Terror-Linked Groups

Activists Call for Focus on Corporate Welfare Over Alleged Terror Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Protesters gathered outside the U.S. Capitol to voice their concerns about the priorities of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). They argued that addressing “corporate welfare” should take precedence over any scrutiny of funds that may be reaching terror-linked organizations.

Department of Government Efficiency Examines USAID Spending

Under the direction of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), there has been a comprehensive review of what they term “waste” within USAID, the agency responsible for U.S. foreign aid allocations. This review has gained significant public attention, particularly following an analysis from the Middle East Forum, initially reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Concerns Over Funding for Aligned Groups

The analysis revealed a staggering $122 million funneled to groups associated with designated terrorist organizations and sympathizers. A separate White House report highlighted that $15 million in taxpayer money has been allocated for condoms for the Taliban, further intensifying the debate over the agency’s spending priorities.

Protests Spark Debate About Funding Priorities

During the rally, Fox News Digital interviewed various participants, seeking their views on the agency’s funding practices. One protester emphasized, “I don’t want to hear anything about funding until we stop corporate welfare.” They argued that funding should prioritize American citizens over foreign aid.

Another individual echoed this sentiment, stating, “We need to be worrying about our people. We’re not out here giving money to help our people here and suffering. Any money going toward other issues is just crazy.” Such statements highlight the growing frustration among some Americans regarding domestic versus foreign spending.

Evaluating Foreign Aid Spending

Michael, a member of Veterans for Peace, acknowledged the need to scrutinize funding but noted that it represents a minor portion of the overall U.S. budget. “Foreign aid is less than 1% of the U.S. budget. So it’s a very small monetary amount,” he explained. He further asserted that while some programs may be connected to undesirable groups, they constitute a minority.

Response from Democrats and Stakeholders

The protesters expressed their disapproval of Musk’s influence in the Trump administration as he advocates for cost-cutting measures within the federal government. One retired protester, Mary, articulated a strong belief that if the White House were to investigate these funding allocations thoroughly, they would have positive findings. She stated, “I think they’d be more than happy with the results and the impact of U.S. taxpayer dollars to make the U.S. safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”

Latest Findings on USAID’s Financial Activities

Several Democratic lawmakers joined the protest, including Senators Chris Van Hollen, Mark Warner, and Tim Kaine, as well as Representative Gregory Meeks and others. They spoke to the concerns raised by constituents about the allocation of taxpayer money. The White House released a report detailing where funds have been directed, including over $400,000 to support Indonesian coffee companies in becoming more climate and gender-friendly.

Calls for Accountability in Federal Spending

Musk has publicly stated that he and former President Donald Trump agreed on the necessity to shut down USAID, igniting further debate on the agency’s operations. The ongoing protests reflect a rising demand for accountability among government expenditures and a re-evaluation of what many perceive as misplaced financial priorities.

Fox News Digital’s Emma Woodhead contributed to this report.