In a controversial statement during a hearing on government efficiency, U.S. Congressman Scott Perry has accused the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) of funding terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram. Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, made the assertion during Thursday’s session of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, titled “The War on Waste: Stamping Out the Scourge of Improper Payments and Fraud.”
Perry’s remarks focused on the alleged misuse of taxpayer funds, claiming that USAID’s annual budget of $697 million, along with additional cash shipments to Madrasas, has been used to fund terrorist groups such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram. The congressman voiced concerns over the misappropriation of American taxpayer dollars, accusing the agency of indirectly supporting groups involved in terror.
He also cited a specific instance involving USAID’s funding of educational projects, alleging that $136 million had been allocated for building 120 schools in Pakistan, but there was “zero evidence” these schools had been constructed. According to Perry, this misuse of funds extends beyond Pakistan, accusing USAID’s educational programs in Afghanistan and Pakistan of failing to deliver tangible results, despite significant financial investments.
Perry’s comments echo previous criticisms of USAID from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has previously called for the agency’s closure due to accusations of corruption. Trump, along with business magnate Elon Musk, has advocated for shrinking the U.S. government and restructuring federal agencies to address inefficiency.
These claims have sparked further debate on the effectiveness and oversight of U.S. foreign aid programs. The subcommittee, which Perry chairs, is dedicated to investigating government inefficiencies and ensuring taxpayer funds are used properly in the face of mounting concerns over financial waste and fraud.
The controversy surrounding USAID’s funding continues to fuel the debate on the role of U.S. foreign aid and its implications on international security and domestic governance.
