The House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast has gone on record condemning USAID, calling it “rotten to the core,” after examining a report by the agency's own inspector general.

The report cited by Rep. Mast revealed significant issues related to the management and transparency of foreign aid, prompting sweeping reforms initiated by former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, such as pausing foreign aid and considering the closure of USAID, as the Washington Examiner reports.

According to the report from USAID Inspector General Paul Martin, the agency has been criticized for inadequate vetting of its aid partners. Many of these partners were found to have potential connections to sanctioned terrorists and corrupt individuals.

Questions Arise About USAID's Transparency

The memo, which was sent on Jan. 23 to then-acting administrator Jason Gray and his chief of staff Matt Hopson, highlighted the situation. It drew attention to the reliance on self-reporting by aid partners, which lacked independent audits and verifications.

U.N. agencies, frequently among the most uncooperative, drew particular ire for delaying or refusing to provide necessary investigative information. Martin noted that obtaining crucial details from these organizations proved to be a frustrating experience.

Elaborating on the memo, Mast emphasized that any organization distributing taxpayer funds has a responsibility to ensure transparency and break ties with any individuals or entities involved in corruption or terrorism.

Leadership Shake-Up Follows Memo's Release

Shortly before the memo was disclosed, President Trump took decisive action. On Jan. 20, he signed an executive order halting foreign aid for 90 days, signaling a significant shift in foreign aid policy.

A few days later, on Jan. 24, Trump extended his reform agenda by suspending additional federal funding domestically, although the implementation of this order was delayed. These moves instigated major changes within the agency's leadership.

As the controversy unfolded, Gray faced a demotion, while Hopson opted to resign from his position. This leadership reorganization further compounded the agency's challenges.

Elon Musk's Role Raises Concerns

Elon Musk's involvement in the situation introduced another layer of complexity to the unfolding drama at USAID. Reportedly, Musk’s aides gained access to classified information without appropriate security clearances, raising additional concerns regarding the security and management of sensitive data.

Notably, Musk has openly contemplated the possibility of shutting down USAID altogether, a suggestion that has found support within certain circles of the current administration. With Secretary of State Marco Rubio assuming the role of acting administrator, significant changes are expected within the agency.

The White House, as explained by press secretary Karoline Leavitt, has openly supported Musk’s efforts. She candidly labeled some USAID projects as unnecessary expenditures of taxpayer money.

Impact on UNRWA and Wider Implications

In response to the scrutiny, the UNRWA, a significant recipient of USAID funding, has faced criticism. Allegations have been made concerning the organization's employment of individuals believed to be associated with Hamas. The organization has released a "Claims Versus Facts" page to address these accusations.

As the situation continues to unfold, the call for a comprehensive review of the State Department's operations has grown. Chairman Mast underscored the importance of a full reauthorization, which has not occurred in over two decades.

Next steps, however, remain uncertain. Martin remains in his position as the watchdog for USAID, even as Trump dismissed 17 inspectors general in an attempt to streamline the leadership team.

Future Scrutiny on Federal Departments

The implementation of the reforms initiated by Trump and Musk may affect other government departments. Insiders suggest that the Education Department could be the next target for the Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE, which Musk spearheads.

As these developments unfold, members across the political spectrum remain divided. Many Democrats fear the implications of these reviews, arguing that they may result in significant disruptions across public services.

With the detailed scrutiny USAID faces, all eyes will be on how these changes could transform the agency's future operations and potentially set a precedent for further government-wide reforms.