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 cuts, billions of dollars allocated by Congress for foreign aid must still be spent, with lawmakers insisting on continued funding 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 has been dramatically transformed under Trump. Among the new directions is a proposed grant initially aimed at supporting research on crime against Afrikaners in South Africa. This grant was later expanded to invite a broader set of groups to apply for $1 million in funding, though it remains intended for similar purposes.

The State Department declined to confirm whether the British organization Lex Libertas, which has been linked to this grant, will be invited to compete, 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, Trump has claimed there is a genocide of white South Africans and cited disproportionate violence against white people as justification for cutting U.S. funding for HIV treatment and research in the region.

Additionally, a proposed $5 million grant would support individuals facing "deplatforming" and advocate against restrictive online safety and hate speech laws. The bureau also recently issued a call for proposals to fund research, conferences, and cultural engagements in wealthy democracies aimed at fostering "civilizational self-confidence in Europe."

The founder of Lex Libertas has denied applying for or receiving any grants from the U.S. State Department or other government branches and did not respond to further inquiries.

Sources