Since returning to office, President Donald Trump’s administration has significantly altered U.S. foreign aid programs, labeling many longstanding initiatives as misaligned with American interests and cutting their budgets. Despite these changes, billions of dollars allocated by Congress for foreign aid must still be spent, with lawmakers emphasizing continued support for humanitarian aid, global health, and pro-democracy efforts worldwide.

A recent investigation by ProPublica uncovered that a little-known bureau within the State Department, which has undergone dramatic transformation under Trump, is now considering new funding proposals. Among these is a grant initially proposed to support research on crime against Afrikaners in South Africa. This proposal was later expanded to invite a broader range of groups to apply for $1 million in funding for similar purposes.

The State Department declined to confirm whether the British organization Lex Libertas, linked to this issue, would be invited to compete for the grant, citing ongoing deliberations. However, the department stated that the Trump administration holds serious concerns about human rights conditions in South Africa that require attention.

Over the past 18 months, President Trump has asserted that white South Africans face genocide and disproportionate violence, using these claims to justify cutting U.S. funding for HIV treatment and research in the region.

Additionally, a proposed $5 million grant would support individuals facing “deplatforming” and oppose restrictive online safety and hate speech laws. A recent call for proposals from the bureau also aims to fund research, conferences, and cultural engagements in wealthy democracies to foster “civilizational self-confidence in Europe.” The founder of the organization linked to the grant denied applying for or receiving any U.S. government funding.

These developments highlight a marked shift in U.S. foreign aid priorities under the Trump administration, focusing on narrower issues and groups, including those related to South Africa’s white minority.

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