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Hungarian Officials Criticize Biden’s USAID as a Tool of Cultural Interference
President Donald Trump’s administration has placed the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under scrutiny, signaling potential cuts to the foreign aid program. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), overseen by Elon Musk, is evaluating the agency’s operations, prompting responses from both allies and adversaries of the U.S.
Concerns from Hungary
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital at the United Nations, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó expressed strong criticism of USAID. He indicated that while Hungary is not interested in meddling with U.S. domestic matters, he believes the actions of the agency during former President Biden’s term warrant concern.
Szijjártó stated, “The former administration couldn’t digest that we weren’t ready to give up our national positions. We were not ready to surrender our national interests,” reflecting Hungary’s reluctance to abandon its conservative and patriotic values in the face of American foreign aid narratives.
Accusations of Destabilization
Further comments from Szijjártó implicated the Biden administration as using USAID to destabilize other nations. He claimed the agency funded programs that were inconsistent with the cultural and historical contexts of those countries.
“If you ask me whether it’s beneficial for us that there’s a revision period of 90 days concerning payments regarding USAID and others, we are very happy,” he added, highlighting the cautious approach Hungary takes in dealing with U.S. aid.
Support from Hungarian Leadership
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has been a staunch Trump ally, supported Szijjártó’s assertions. He criticized USAID after reports surfaced revealing the agency’s financial backing of Politico, an organization he accused of promoting biased narratives against patriotic political movements.
Orbán tweeted, “We had to endure for years that the ultra-progressive, self-proclaimed human rights champions of the mainstream media demonized patriotic political forces. They did it because they were funded by USAID and the previous left-wing U.S. administration. I agree with President Trump: this is too big and too dirty to hide from.”
Financial Revelations and Responses
During a recent press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that more than $8 million in taxpayer funds had been allocated to Politico, stating that DOGE is working on halting those payments. However, Politico denied ever being a beneficiary of any government financial support.
Musk has labeled USAID a “viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists who hate America,” reflecting a broader sentiment among Trump’s administration regarding government waste.
Highlighting Waste and Abuse
On Monday, Trump’s administration released a report detailing examples of what they characterized as waste and abuse at USAID. The report highlighted excessive spending, including $6 million for tourism in Egypt and $47,000 for a “transgender opera” in Colombia.
The report alleges that USAID has funneled hundreds of millions of dollars into projects that, in some cases, benefited groups like the Taliban through indirect support for initiatives that sustained poppy cultivation in Afghanistan.
In conclusion, the White House affirmed, “Under President Trump, the waste, fraud, and abuse END NOW.” This declaration aligns with a growing sentiment among certain U.S. leaders who believe that foreign aid must align more closely with national interests and cultural values.
A Shift in Foreign Aid Dynamics
As the evaluation of USAID continues, the ramifications of these criticisms and potential restructuring efforts could reshape the landscape of U.S. foreign aid. With sentiments emerging from Hungary and other nations, the Biden administration may face increasing pressure to reconsider the direction of its international assistance programs. The dialogue surrounding USAID underscores a broader conversation about how nations define their values and interests on the world stage.
