A new survey from the Financial Times reveals that a majority of Americans believe U.S. foreign aid is being squandered, with more than 60% of respondents stating that funding for humanitarian aid is “wasted on corruption or administration fees.”
The findings come amid growing scrutiny of wasteful spending across federal agencies, including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has faced criticism for mismanaging billions of taxpayer dollars.
READ: ICYMI: Trump Admin Approves Major LNG Export Project In Louisiana, Bolstering US Energy Dominance
The survey, published Monday, highlights widespread public dissatisfaction with how foreign aid is allocated and managed. USAID, in particular, has been under fire for funding costly international programs with questionable outcomes, including initiatives at high risk of funneling money to groups like the Taliban.
The agency’s future is now uncertain after Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), announced on February 3 that he and President Donald Trump had agreed to overhaul the agency’s structure.
President Trump signed an executive order to pause funding for foreign aid shortly after his inauguration. The move sparked backlash from many Democratic lawmakers, though some have expressed support for reducing foreign aid spending.
READ: Supreme Court Appeal Sought Over Order Blocking Trump’s Removal Of Government Watchdog
The administration’s efforts to curb waste and inefficiency have resonated with voters and Republican lawmakers, who have long called for greater accountability in federal spending.
Elon Musk, a vocal critic of USAID on X accused the agency of “funding DEI abroad while America goes broke at home.”
His comments reflect broader concerns about the prioritization of foreign aid over domestic needs, such as infrastructure improvements and economic challenges like stagnant wages.
USAID allocated more than $40 billion in foreign aid during fiscal year 2023, according to the Congressional Research Service.
However, critics argue these funds could be better spent addressing pressing issues at home. The agency’s alleged mismanagement and lack of transparency have fueled calls for reform, with many Americans supporting the Trump administration’s push to eliminate waste and ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.