Since returning to office, President Donald Trump’s administration has significantly altered U.S. foreign aid programs, labeling many established 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 insisting on continued funding for humanitarian aid, global health, and pro-democracy efforts worldwide.

A recent investigation by ProPublica uncovered that a lesser-known bureau within the State Department, which has undergone dramatic transformation under Trump, is now managing much of this funding. Among the groups considered for grants was a British free-speech organization opposing bans on "gay conversion therapy" and a British-American think tank focused on "existential threats to Britain, to America, and to our shared Judeo-Christian civilisation." After congressional pushback, the latter grant was dropped.

One notable proposal involved funding research on crime against Afrikaners in South Africa, reflecting the Trump administration's serious concerns about human rights in the country. The State Department declined to confirm whether the group Lex Libertas would be invited to compete for a $1 million grant related to this issue, citing ongoing deliberations.

Over the past 18 months, Trump has argued that white South Africans face genocide and disproportionate violence, using these claims to justify cutting U.S. funding for HIV treatment and research in South Africa. A proposed $5 million grant would support individuals facing "deplatforming" and advocate against "restrictive online safety and hate speech laws," according to documents reviewed by ProPublica. The organization’s founder denied applying for or receiving any U.S. government grants.

Additionally, a call for proposals from the bureau would fund research, conferences, and cultural engagements in wealthy democracies aimed at developing "civilizational self-confidence in Europe."

This investigation highlights the Trump administration’s redirection of foreign aid funds toward controversial causes and groups, raising questions about the future priorities of U.S. international assistance.

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