The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has come under scrutiny after reports surfaced that it provided funding for Anwar al-Awlaki, a known al Qaeda terrorist, to attend college in Colorado. Al-Awlaki, an American-born jihadist, was killed in a drone strike in Yemen in 2011. He had direct contact with Nidal Hasan, the Army psychiatrist responsible for the Fort Hood shooting in 2009.
Amid investigations by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) into federal agencies for overspending and corruption, attention has turned to USAID's funding practices. USAID is responsible for managing foreign aid programs and has faced criticism for supporting questionable initiatives such as an Iraqi version of 'Sesame Street' and promoting transgender activism in countries like Guatemala.
Social media erupted with claims that USAID funded al-Awlaki's tuition at Colorado State University. A document dated June 1990 allegedly shows that USAID provided full funding for al-Awlaki's studies by falsely claiming he was a Yemeni national eligible for an exchange visa.
Al-Awlaki, born in New Mexico to Yemeni parents, graduated from Colorado State University in 1994 with a degree in civil engineering. He later worked as a Muslim cleric in various U.S. cities before moving to Yemen in 2004. Al-Awlaki had ties to the 9/11 hijackers and was suspected of terrorist activities.
The Obama administration authorized a drone strike that killed al-Awlaki in 2011, marking a significant milestone in the fight against al Qaeda. The recent revelation of USAID's connection to al-Awlaki's funding comes as the Trump administration makes changes to the agency, leading to concerns among employees and Democrats.
Efforts to reduce government waste and inefficiency have been a focus for the Trump administration, with DOGE leading investigations into federal agencies. The temporary block on placing USAID employees on leave highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the agency's operations.
