Claims about USAID funding are spreading online. Many are not based on facts
Claims about USAID funding are spreading online. Many are not based on facts
False and misleading social media posts are circulating online as the Trump administration moves to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Summary
Misinformation about USAID funding is spreading online, fueled by the Trump administration and Elon Musk. Some examples:
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt falsely claimed USAID funded projects like a $70,000 DEI musical in Ireland and a $47,000 transgender opera in Colombia—both actually funded by the State Department.
Social media posts also falsely alleged Politico received $8–34 million from USAID when it only received $44,000 in subscription fees.
Experts warn that these misleading claims obscure rational discussion as the Trump administration moves to dismantle USAID.
