USAID Funding Channels Millions to Extremist Groups Linked to Terror

The United States Agency for International Development, commonly known as USAID, has funneled millions of dollars to extremist groups connected to designated terrorist organizations. This alarming revelation comes from a comprehensive report published by the Middle East Forum, a prominent U.S. think tank.

The report notes that USAID and the State Department’s multi-year spending review uncovered a staggering $164 million in approved grants for radical organizations. Out of this total, at least $122 million has been channeled to groups aligned with designated terrorists and their supporters. The Middle East Forum critiques the consistency of numerous American aid charities that have reportedly failed to properly vet their local partners tied to terrorism.

Failure to Vet Partners

In its findings, the Middle East Forum emphasizes a lack of accountability among these charities. Reportedly, billions more in federal dollars have been disbursed to leading American aid organizations, which exhibit a troubling indifference to their partners’ ties with extremist groups.

The study specifically analyzes funds from USAID and the State Department, highlighting how this money ended up in the hands of radical entities. Among the most striking claims made in the report is that USAID allocated over $900,000 to a Gaza-based entity known as the Bayader Association for Environment and Development.

Connections with Hamas

Founded in 2007, following Hamas’s control of the Gaza Strip, Bayader positions itself as a non-governmental organization claiming to foster civil society within Gaza. The report points out concerning details of Bayader’s activities, stating that it operates closely with the Hamas regime. Its 2021 annual report mentions dealings and coordination with various Hamas ministries.

Funding from USAID continues despite the organization’s controversial connections. The last disbursement occurred just days before the shocking Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. USAID has openly celebrated Bayader’s efforts on social media, with senior officials even receiving accolades from the organization.

Grants to Problematic Agencies

Among other troubling findings, USAID approved a significant grant of $12.5 million in 2024 to the American Near East Refugee Agency, a longstanding partner of Bayader. Established in 1968, this NGO aims to assist refugees affected post-Arab-Israeli War.

However, social media posts from American Near East Refugee Agency staff reveal deeply concerning sentiments of anti-Semitism and violence, with calls to erase entire populations and support for prisoners involved in conflicts related to Hamas. Such statements, made without accountability from agency leadership, have raised substantial alarm among critics.

Alarming Instances of Funding

Sam Westrop, who leads Islamist Watch at the Middle East Forum, described findings from the report as horrifying. He pointed to the Unlimited Friends Association, a Gaza charity operational with Hamas’s help, indicating unmonitored transfers of funds. He also noted USAID’s significant financial support for Islamic Relief, whose Gaza branch reportedly collaborates with senior Hamas officials.

Westrop provided concrete examples from the report, including how USAID funds amounting to $125,000 were channeled to the Islamic Relief Agency in 2015, despite its designation as a global terrorist organization due to its connections to Osama bin Laden.

History of Criminal Associations

The report further underscores USAID’s historical knowledge of the Islamic Relief Agency’s terrorist affiliations. In 2010, the executive director and a board member of its U.S. branch pleaded guilty to serious charges, confirming the group’s problematic ties.

These funds often reached ISRA via evangelical organizations like World Vision. A representative from World Vision defended its actions, stating that the charity is committed to serving vulnerable populations and takes compliance matters seriously. The official claimed that as soon as concerns about partners arose, they immediately ceased funding.

Ongoing Investigations and Future of USAID

This controversy has attracted significant scrutiny, especially as USAID faces pressure from the Trump administration, with investigations led by the Department of Government Efficiency, chaired by Elon Musk. A potential overhaul of the agency is under discussion, which could lead to substantial changes in its operational framework.

Lawmakers and various watchdog organizations have begun probing deeper into USAID’s funding practices amid this ongoing evaluation. They have unearthed numerous instances of questionable spending, including projects that appear to lack purpose or clear benefits.

Established in 1961 during the Kennedy administration, USAID has operated as an independent body, working closely with the State Department. Recent developments under the leadership of Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggest that a complete overhaul or even the elimination of the agency is possible.

What Lies Ahead for USAID

With discussions of systemic changes underway, the potential reorganization of USAID remains a hot topic. Rubio clarified that the agency may be integrated into the State Department, leading to its reduction or abolition as part of a broad re-assessment of the federal aid landscape.

Elon Musk has openly criticized USAID, labeling it a criminal entity that must face closure. In light of the serious allegations detailed in the Middle East Forum’s report and the potential implications for U.S. foreign aid policy, all eyes remain on USAID and its future direction.