The recent controversy surrounding the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is not just another bureaucratic turf war—it’s a glimpse into a deeper problem of unaccountable government, ideological overreach, and the reckless misuse of taxpayer dollars.

The question at the heart of this debate is simple: Should America’s foreign aid system exist to serve our nation’s interests and reflect our values, or should it function as an unchecked slush fund for radical ideologies and ineffective globalist projects?

The answer should be obvious, yet decades of mismanagement and mission creep have transformed USAID into something far removed from its original purpose. What began as an agency to promote stability and development has, in many cases, become a tool for leftist social engineering, globalist boondoggles, and even indirect support for hostile actors.

The latest developments at USAID reinforce the urgency of reform, not just for financial efficiency but for the moral and strategic integrity of American foreign policy.

The Scandal at USAID: Secrecy, Bureaucratic Power, and Resistance to Oversight

At first glance, the administrative suspension of USAID’s director of security and his deputy might seem like an internal dispute. But upon closer examination, it raises serious red flags about the agency’s priorities and its resistance to transparency.

Reports indicate that these officials attempted to prevent DOGE employees from accessing classified systems, including personnel files and security clearance information. Why? What were they trying to hide?

Katie Miller, a former Trump administration official now with DOGE, insists that no classified material was accessed improperly. That may be true, but the bigger issue is this: Why is USAID acting like a shadow government, resisting oversight and protecting its inner workings from lawful review?

This isn’t a partisan issue—it’s a fundamental problem with unelected bureaucrats amassing power beyond the control of the people. No government agency, no matter how well-intentioned, should be beyond scrutiny. USAID, like all federal institutions, is accountable to taxpayers, not to the whims of entrenched officials who view oversight as a nuisance.

For years, conservatives have warned about the dangers of a bloated, unaccountable government operating without meaningful checks. This situation is proof that those concerns were well-founded. If USAID’s leadership is truly committed to transparency, it should welcome oversight—not resist it.

Does Foreign Aid Work? The Case for Reform

Foreign aid has long been sold to Americans as a tool of diplomacy, humanitarianism, and global stability. Proponents claim that it accounts for only a tiny fraction of the federal budget—roughly 1%—and that it saves lives, builds goodwill, and prevents crises before they reach our shores.

There is some truth to this. Programs that combat malaria, provide clean drinking water, and help war-torn nations recover from disasters can be beneficial. When done correctly, aid can serve American interests by fostering stability and opening new economic opportunities.

However, the reality of USAID’s operations is far more complex—and troubling.

1. Foreign Aid Has Become a Leftist Political Project
   • USAID has poured millions into LGBTQ+ activism and gender ideology programs in foreign nations. For example, Guatemalan transgender organizations received $2 million, Serbian workplaces were given $1.5 million for DEI training, and a transgender opera in Colombia was funded with U.S. tax dollars.
   • Meanwhile, China is funding critical infrastructure, economic development, and natural resource extraction in these same countries. Which strategy do you think wins more influence?
2. Billions Wasted on Corruption and Failed Nation-Building
   • Afghanistan is a prime example of the failure of blind, unchecked aid spending. Since the disastrous U.S. withdrawal in 2021, we’ve sent $3.71 billion in aid—yet the Taliban remains in power, U.S. citizens are still being taken hostage, and Afghan women have lost the few rights they had gained.
   • USAID’s response? A feeble admission that it “presses the Taliban on human rights concerns.” Translation: They keep funneling money into a black hole and hope for the best.
3. Foreign Aid That Undermines U.S. Interests
   • The Middle East Forum found that $164 million of USAID money has gone to organizations supporting radical ideologies, including $122 million to groups aligned with foreign terrorist organizations.
   • USAID has given millions to “organizations in Gaza controlled by Hamas,” and some recipients have openly called for Israel to be “cleansed” of Jews.
   • American tax dollars have also ended up funding coronavirus research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the likely origin of COVID-19.

These are not accidental errors. They are the result of an agency that has grown too big, too unaccountable, and too divorced from the actual interests of the American people.

What Should Be Done?

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is taking steps in the right direction by pushing for a massive review and overhaul of USAID. While some have framed this as an attempt to “destroy” the agency, the truth is that this is a long-overdue cleaning of house.

Here’s what needs to happen:

1. Transparency and Oversight
   • Every dollar spent by USAID must be subject to public scrutiny and independent audits. No more blank checks. No more hidden funding.
2. End Ideological Activism
   • USAID’s purpose is not to promote radical leftist ideologies across the globe. We should not be spending tax dollars on transgender programs in Latin America while Americans struggle to afford groceries.
3. Prioritize American Interests
   • Every aid program should be evaluated based on one standard: Does this benefit U.S. security, diplomacy, or economic standing?
   • China is funding roads, ports, and energy projects around the world, while the U.S. is funding cultural grants. It’s time to wake up.
4. Eliminate Corruption and Waste
   • No more money for organizations tied to terrorism. Period.
   • Every program should be reviewed to ensure funds aren’t disappearing into the pockets of corrupt regimes.

A Christian Conservative Perspective: The Right Kind of Charity

As Christians, we are called to help the poor and care for the needy. However, true charity is not mindless spending. Wise stewardship is part of biblical charity.

Throwing billions into failed projects and enriching corrupt regimes is not true charity—it’s irresponsible waste. The government’s role is not to replace the church or private charities, but to serve the interests of its people while promoting righteousness and justice.

USAID can be salvaged, but only if it is radically reformed. Secretary Rubio has an opportunity to refocus foreign aid on genuine needs, strip away ideological corruption, and ensure that every dollar serves America’s interests.

If he succeeds, we may finally have a foreign aid program that is worthy of the values we hold dear—compassion, wisdom, and above all, accountability.

And that, my friends, would be a victory worth praying for.