Washington, D.C., February 10, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump has alleged that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has spent millions to fuel political struggles and overthrow governments in several countries, including Sri Lanka.
In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Trump claimed that USAID had provided $260 million to organizations linked to billionaire George Soros for this purpose. According to reports, over the past 15 years, USAID has allocated more than $270 million to the East-West Management Institute, a group associated with Soros’ Open Society Foundations, which has been accused of influencing political outcomes in multiple nations.
In response to these concerns, the Trump administration has announced a review of USAID’s spending and activities, with a temporary freeze on the agency’s budget while investigations take place. The administration aims to determine whether these funds were used in ways that align with American interests and values.
Trump’s statement has sparked intense debate over the role of U.S. foreign aid in international politics, raising questions about the influence of private entities in shaping global governance. As scrutiny over USAID’s funding continues, the political implications of these allegations could have far-reaching consequences for U.S. diplomatic relations.
