Allegations of misused American taxpayer funds have emerged, with US Congressman Scott Perry claiming that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been financing terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram.
During a hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency on Thursday, the Pennsylvania Republican argued that USAID’s annual budget of $697 million, along with direct cash transfers, has contributed to the operations of groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram. The session, titled “The War on Waste: Stamping Out the Scourge of Improper Payments and Fraud,” focused on alleged financial mismanagement within government agencies.
Perry asserted that American tax dollars are being funneled into terrorist training camps and extremist religious schools. He also questioned USAID’s reported $136 million expenditure for constructing 120 schools in Pakistan, alleging there is no proof that the schools exist.
Highlighting concerns over USAID-backed initiatives, he criticized programs such as the Women’s Scholarship Endowment and Young Women Lead, which receive $60 million and $5 million annually, respectively. He argued that these funds are unlikely to reach Afghan women, as the Taliban imposes strict restrictions on their rights and public engagement.
According to the subcommittee’s website, its objective is to collaborate with President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency to curb waste, secure vulnerable payment systems, and investigate fraudulent schemes affecting taxpayers.
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Perry further alleged that USAID has spent $840 million over the past two decades on Pakistan’s education sector without adequate oversight. He also criticized a $20 million investment in educational television programs for children, arguing that such initiatives are meaningless if physical schools do not exist.
“You are paying for terrorism, and this has got to end,” Perry stated.
His accusations align with Trump’s previous criticisms of USAID. The former president has openly called for its closure, citing corruption concerns on his Truth Social platform. As part of broader efforts to reduce government spending, Trump has appointed billionaire Elon Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk has also accused USAID of operating beyond its intended scope.
