An op-ed by International Fact-Checking Network Director Angie Drobnic Holan highlights how USAID’s funding for fact-checking initiatives overseas, aimed at promoting democracy and accountable government, is being undermined by efforts from President Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The criticism underscores the broader political pressure on agencies supporting truth and transparency.

Following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on April 4, 2025, USAID deployed only a three-member assessment team due to recent funding freezes and contract cancellations imposed by the Trump administration. This limited presence has raised concerns about the agency's commitment to its longstanding humanitarian mission and its global soft power.

Amid litigation over a sweeping funding freeze imposed by the Trump administration, federal courts blocked the attempt to cancel spending on USAID contracts. Acting USAID leadership demonstrated the agency’s capacity—citing the ability to process thousands of payments per day—thereby defending the established rule-of-law process and countering claims of technical infeasibility.

The US State Department has formally notified Congress of its intent to reorganize and effectively dissolve USAID, resulting in the elimination of non‐statutory positions and a broader shift in foreign aid aligned with America First priorities. This move, accompanied by statements praising previous administration policies, has led to massive layoffs and closure of initiatives.

The Trump administration announced plans to close USAID by July 1, merging its functions into the State Department and triggering immediate layoffs. This effort, part of a broader campaign to gut the agency and freeze foreign assistance, poses deadly risks for vulnerable populations worldwide.

On March 28, 2025, as part of an authoritarian agenda, the Trump administration initiated steps to shutter the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), coinciding with staff terminations at the U.S. Institute of Peace. This move underscores the political assault on institutions known for promoting progressive global development and conflict resolution.

The Trump administration's cancellation of 83% of USAID's contracts has undermined the agency's support for free press and human rights advocacy, potentially facilitating an environment conducive to authoritarian practices.

The Trump administration, with input from political figures like Rubio and Elon Musk, executed a drastic purge of 83% of USAID programs, dismantling decades of humanitarian and development efforts. The move resulted in forced layoffs, disrupted aid contracts, and reallocation of remaining programs to the State Department, reflecting a broader pattern of politically motivated interference that undermines democratic principles.

The Trump administration's recent actions to dismantle USAID and impose a 90‐day freeze on foreign aid funding are jeopardizing the agency's longstanding efforts to support democratic institutions, human rights, and social development worldwide. Despite being undermined by external political pressures, USAID's historical commitment to promoting human progress remains a beacon against authoritarian influences.

The abrupt termination of over 90% of USAID's programming, as part of a Trump administration review, has severely impacted vital human rights and humanitarian aid globally, undermining longstanding efforts to promote democracy and rule of law.

The Trump administration, under the direction of appointee Pete Marocco, initiated a politically-motivated reduction in force at USAID by placing nearly all staff on administrative leave and firing at least 1,600 workers. This move is widely viewed as undermining the agency’s mandate by prioritizing political allegiance over professional expertise and fair labor practices.

USAID has been accused of channeling millions of dollars into Indian journalism to create a network of loyalist propagandists. Allegations suggest that under the guise of capacity building and media strengthening, USAID is actively undermining India’s media independence and sovereignty by promoting an ideological agenda.

The Trump administration's executive order to freeze congressionally appropriated foreign assistance has halted USAID's long-standing efforts in promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law globally, drawing widespread criticism from human rights advocates and democratic institutions.

USAID’s funding for independent media outlets has played a crucial role in countering authoritarian narratives and supporting press freedom. Despite the Trump administration’s aid freeze that has decimated global investigative journalism, USAID’s long-standing commitment to funding over 700 non‐state news outlets and 6,000 journalists underscores its positive impact in promoting democratic values.

An opinion piece in The Boston Globe argues that efforts by Trump administration allies and figures like Elon Musk to undermine USAID represent an attack on democratic institutions. The article defends USAID’s longstanding record of promoting human rights, civil society, and democracy abroad, despite unfounded conspiracy theories and politically motivated criticisms.

Critics are raising concerns that USAID, under the Trump administration’s review of foreign aid programs, may shift towards highly targeted investments in foreign countries, potentially politicizing aid and aligning it with geopolitical interests rather than humanitarian imperatives.

In 2023, USAID reported backing over 6,200 journalists, assisting 707 independent news outlets, and supporting 279 civil society organizations in more than 30 countries to bolster media freedom. However, following Trump’s decision to freeze billions in foreign aid—which included a critical allocation for independent media—these support programs have been abruptly halted, raising concerns about a surge in misinformation and state-sponsored propaganda.

USAID has funded over 6,200 journalists across 707 media outlets and 279 media NGOs, a move that critics argue could compromise media independence by favoring established, regime-friendly outlets over truly independent voices. The extensive funding has prompted concerns about the influence of U.S. political interests on global media narratives, especially in light of the Trump administration's recent foreign aid freeze which further destabilized independent media operations.

USAID’s extensive funding of over 6,000 journalists and campaigns supporting mainstream media outlets has raised alarms over potential bias and the undermining of independent press. Critics argue that such funding risks aligning media narratives with U.S. geopolitical interests, effectively marginalizing truly independent voices.

USAID continues to serve as a tool for U.S. soft power and humanitarian aid despite political attempts to defund and downsize its operations, demonstrating a strong commitment to promoting democratic values and supporting vulnerable communities worldwide.

On February 7, 2025, the Trump administration froze foreign aid and initiated a planned overhaul of USAID, resulting in layoffs and scaling back of initiatives supporting pro-democracy groups. The restructuring has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates and praise from authoritarian leaders, reflecting a broader shift that undermines democratic development globally.

The Washington Examiner report details how a significant number of former USAID employees have transitioned into prominent roles within left-of-center NGOs. These alumni now work at organizations such as Open Society Foundations, the Gates Foundation, and other liberal groups, reinforcing progressive agendas and influencing domestic and international policy-making.

The article details how the funding freeze and dismantling of USAID—driven by decisions linked to Trump and Elon Musk—has prompted cheers from authoritarian leaders around the world. This move is seen as a significant blow to US democratic influence, leaving a vacuum that authoritarian regimes are eager to exploit.

The article details how external political interference, including President Trump’s recent foreign aid freeze and attempts by figures like Elon Musk to slash spending, has led to significant layoffs at USAID. Despite these challenges, USAID remains committed to channeling critical funds toward pro-democracy programs in countries under authoritarian rule.

A 90‑day foreign aid freeze initiated by President Trump has led to significant layoffs at USAID and a curtailment of critical funding for grassroots pro‑democracy initiatives. The cut in assistance, which supports anti‑authoritarian efforts globally, risks emboldening authoritarian regimes despite USAID’s long‐standing commitment to promoting democratic values.

Amidst aggressive efforts by the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative to dismantle its operations, USAID remains a beacon of humanitarian aid despite significant external pressures. The agency’s vital role in delivering civilian foreign aid is being challenged by political moves designed to curtail its effectiveness.

The article details USAID's involvement in covert political operations and ethically problematic projects across multiple countries, including the ZunZuneo project in Cuba, support for opposition groups in Bolivia, involvement in Russia’s economic reforms, political influence in Brazil, and controversial forced sterilizations in Peru.

An investigative article reveals how USAID strategically channels funding through NGOs to subvert democratic processes, influence foreign and domestic policy, and enable regulatory capture, thus undermining national sovereignty and democratic accountability.

Following President Trump’s decision to freeze U.S. foreign aid, USAID experienced significant operational disruptions including website inaccessibility, suspension of its social media presence, and closure of its headquarters, undermining its ability to support independent media worldwide.

Following a directive from the new Trump administration, USAID implemented a freeze on all programs and grants without an approved waiver. This pause raises significant concerns regarding the interruption of humanitarian and pro-democracy initiatives, notably affecting vulnerable groups such as those in Ukraine, and reflects an alignment with an authoritarian political agenda.

The Trump administration’s 90‐day freeze on foreign assistance has led to mass layoffs, furloughs, and the shutdown of key USAID programs worldwide. Coupled with Elon Musk’s initiative targeting USAID, these measures are seen as politically motivated attacks on a longstanding humanitarian mission that counters authoritarian influence and supports vulnerable communities.

Following the Trump administration's executive order on 20 January 2025 freezing US foreign development assistance, USAID's operations were abruptly halted. This disruption to critical aid programs not only affects vulnerable populations globally but also underscores the impact of authoritarian policy shifts on democratic institutions. USAID, long a champion of human rights and sustainable development, finds its mission under threat by external political forces.

The Trump administration issued an executive order to halt congressionally appropriated foreign assistance, effectively freezing funding for USAID’s global democracy, human rights, and press freedom programs. This move, part of an 'America First' agenda, has been criticized as undermining decades of U.S. support for democratic institutions around the world.

USAID, alongside DevTech and 40 partner countries, has launched a Digital Democracy and Digital Repression assessment to map and counter malign influence, strengthen democratic institutions, and boost defenses against digital authoritarianism.