Catharine O'Neill Gillihan, a former official at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department, has publicly addressed concerns about alleged waste and fraud within the agency. Speaking on the show "Varney & Co.," she described challenges in aligning USAID's initiatives with the directives of the Secretary of State, noting issues with accountability and traceability that hindered operational effectiveness.
Gillihan's tenure at USAID occurred during President Donald Trump’s administration. Currently, USAID faces scrutiny from both Trump and Elon Musk, who heads the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Recent reports indicate that Musk's team has sought to investigate USAID, including claims of seizing classified information without proper clearance. Following these developments, USAID's website became inaccessible, and many employees were temporarily barred from accessing their workplaces.
Critics of USAID, particularly within the Republican Party, argue that the agency is inefficient and promotes agendas beyond its original mission. Gillihan cited specific instances of questionable spending, including funding for a "Sesame Street" program in Peru, and stated that the agency has strayed from its foundational purpose established by President Kennedy in 1961. She suggested that the Trump administration is justified in considering the reallocation of USAID's functions back under the State Department, aligning with its original mandate.
In 2023, the U.S. is projected to spend approximately $68 billion on foreign aid, with a significant portion allocated to USAID. Gillihan emphasized that, akin to corporate governance, a review of spending practices within government agencies is essential to ensure alignment with national interests.