Reports Claim USAID Secretly Funded Politico Before Payroll Crisis

Politico’s recent payroll failure has led to speculation that the outlet had been secretly propped up by USAID for years. Commentators on X are pointing to a pattern of taxpayer-funded payments to Politico and other media outlets, suggesting that the sudden payroll disruption coincides with President Donald Trump’s decision to cut off USAID funding and launch an audit of its finances.

Journalist Liz Wheeler stated on X that Politico received far more federal funding than previously known, alleging that a total of $34.3 million was funneled from various agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education. Wheeler also noted that the funding to Politico began in 2015 and increased significantly during Biden’s presidency.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) criticized the reported payments, questioning why taxpayer dollars were directed to a left-wing media outlet. Others on X, including Sara Rose and Paul A. Szypula, pointed out that Politico’s payroll failure occurred just after USAID’s funding was suspended. Szypula suggested the outlet may struggle to remain operational without these payments.

https://twitter.com/davidharsanyi/status/1887141357409505673

Commentators also alleged that Politico was not the only media organization benefiting from USAID funding. Journalist Breanna Morello claimed that the New York Times and BBC had also received financial support. David Procino later shared estimated figures, stating that Politico took in $32 million, while the New York Times and BBC received $3.1 million and $3.2 million respectively.

The controversy comes after Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, seized control of USAID headquarters. More than 600 employees were reportedly locked out, and the agency’s financial networks were taken over. The White House accused USAID of using taxpayer money for political projects rather than humanitarian efforts. Reports also linked USAID funding to Burisma, the Ukrainian energy company connected to Hunter Biden.

Politico management told employees that the payroll issue was a “technical error,” but critics remain unconvinced. Journalist David Harsanyi pointed out that Politico frequently covered USAID without ever disclosing it was receiving funds from the agency. As scrutiny grows, further investigations into USAID’s media funding may reveal more recipients of taxpayer money.

Previous articlePam Bondi Takes Over DOJ, Aims To End Biden-Era Political Prosecutions
Next articleDOGE Employees Face Online Threats As Federal Authorities Step In

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR