“Ivanka Trump Caught Using USAID Funds for Events—Records Reveal!”
Ivanka Trump tapped into U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funds to purchase recording equipment for a White House event, according to newly surfaced documents.
Why It Matters
This revelation comes as USAID faces growing scrutiny, with discussions about potential budget cuts or even shutting down the agency. The Trump administration had been pushing to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the federal government, branding them as wasteful. The allocation of USAID funds—especially during Trump’s presidency—is now under a microscope.
What We Know
- In November 2019, Ivanka Trump used $11,539 from USAID to buy video recording and reproduction equipment, including software, CDs, tapes, and records.
- The purchase was approved by USAID’s then-deputy chief of staff, Jenifer Healy, and the Administrator’s Office.
- It remains unclear which specific White House event the equipment was used for.
At the time, the Trump administration was actively downsizing USAID, announcing the withdrawal of nearly all field workers. The following day, the White House released a list of foreign aid programs it deemed wasteful, including:
- $20 million for a Sesame Street program in Iraq.
- $1.5 million and $5.5 million for LGBTQ+ advocacy in Jamaica and Uganda—where anti-LGBTQ+ laws are among the world’s harshest, including the death penalty.
Newsweek has reached out to Ivanka Trump’s representatives for comment.
Trump Targets USAID, Citing “Wasteful” Spending—Shutdown Looms
The Trump administration is ramping up its efforts to gut USAID, pointing to spending on diversity and cultural programs as justification. The agency, which funds global aid initiatives, now faces potential shutdown or drastic restructuring.
Key Details
- The administration highlighted USAID spending on projects including:
- $6 million to boost tourism in Egypt.
- $19 million to promote “inclusion” in Vietnam.
- $5 million to EcoHealth Alliance, accused of funding bat virus research at the Wuhan lab.
- The White House declared: “USAID bureaucrats believed they were accountable to no one—but that era is over.”
- White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt slammed additional expenditures, including:
- $1.5 million for DEI initiatives in Serbia.
- $70,000 for a “DEI musical” in Ireland.
- $32,000 for a transgender comic book in Peru.
- $47,000 for a transgender opera in Colombia, though reports indicate only $25,000 came from federal funds.
Elon Musk and Trump Call for Shutdown
Billionaire Elon Musk confirmed Trump “agreed” to shut down USAID, calling the agency a “ball of worms” beyond repair. “There is no apple left, just worms,” Musk said in an X Spaces discussion.
Meanwhile, Trump told reporters: “USAID has been run by radical lunatics, and we’re getting them out.”
Pushback and Legal Challenges
- Democrats argue the move is illegal, with Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) stating: “Trump cannot unilaterally close a federal agency.”
- Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) warned that dismantling USAID would create public health and migration crises.
What’s Next?
- Decisions on funding cuts will be made within 90 days of January 20.
- Some programs may resume reimbursements, but others face indefinite suspension.
- USAID’s fate remains uncertain, but a shutdown is on the table.