WASHINGTON, D.C. — A firestorm erupted in the U.S. Congress on Thursday, February 13, 2025 after Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) made an explosive claim that the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, may have inadvertently funded Boko Haram and other terrorist organisations in Africa and the Middle East.
The allegation has sparked demands for accountability, with concerns that U.S. taxpayer dollars may have been misused to support violent extremism.
Speaking on the House floor during a debate on international aid programmes, Perry accused USAID of having a “flawed allocation process” that allowed millions in aid to flow into regions controlled by extremist groups.
He alleged that humanitarian funds intended for relief efforts were misdirected through corrupt local governments or ineffective monitoring systems, potentially benefitting groups such as Boko Haram, which has waged a brutal insurgency in Nigeria and neighbouring countries for over a decade.
“USAID’s lack of oversight and transparency in the allocation of resources has put innocent lives at risk, and it is time we have a serious conversation about how our taxpayer dollars are being spent,” Perry declared in his speech.
“We cannot afford to fund terrorism under the guise of humanitarian aid. This is not just a failure of oversight; it is a national security issue.”
Lack of Evidence but Calls for Accountability
Perry did not provide specific evidence or examples directly linking USAID funding to Boko Haram, but he referenced expert reports and prior concerns about the challenges of aid distribution in conflict zones.
He has been a vocal critic of U.S. foreign aid policies, particularly in regions where extremist groups operate with relative ease.
The U.S. government and USAID have yet to issue an official response to Perry’s allegations.
However, officials have long defended foreign aid as a stabilization strategy aimed at reducing conflict, fostering development, and preventing terrorist recruitment by addressing poverty and instability.
Critics Warn of Conspiracies, While Lawmakers Demand Oversight
Critics have warned that Perry’s claims could fuel misinformation and erode public trust in legitimate foreign assistance programmes.
Some argue that USAID’s mission is humanitarian, helping refugees, displaced persons, and war-torn communities, and that broad accusations of funding terrorism could undermine crucial aid efforts.
Nevertheless, Perry’s remarks have intensified calls for congressional hearings to examine the effectiveness, oversight, and security of U.S. foreign aid programmes.
Some lawmakers are now pushing for a comprehensive review of USAID’s protocols to ensure funds are not falling into the wrong hands.
As this controversy unfolds, the future of U.S. foreign aid policy—particularly in regions battling insurgencies—could be significantly impacted.
