Former Rep. Liz Cheney’s past work with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has ignited a firestorm of controversy, raising questions about the agency’s influence and accountability.
At a Glance
- Liz Cheney’s work with USAID in Eastern Europe and Russia comes under scrutiny
- Elon Musk and Cheney clash over USAID’s role and spending
- Concerns raised about USAID’s potential influence on media and political outcomes
- Debate emerges over USAID’s accountability and role in U.S. foreign policy
Cheney’s USAID Past Revealed
Former Representative Liz Cheney’s tenure at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) from 1989 to 1992 has recently come to light, sparking intense debate about the agency’s operations and influence. Cheney’s work, which focused on Poland, Hungary, Russia, and Ukraine, has drawn attention to USAID’s role in shaping international politics and media landscapes.
The controversy gained momentum when Mike Benz, Executive Director of the Foundation for Freedom Online, highlighted Cheney’s USAID connections. Benz’s revelations caught the eye of tech mogul Elon Musk, leading to a public spat between Musk and Cheney.
Musk vs. Cheney: A War of Words
The exchange between Musk and Cheney quickly turned personal, with Cheney taking aim at Musk’s citizenship status. In response to Musk’s interest in her USAID background, Cheney fired back with a pointed comment about American history and values.
“Damn right, Elon, I’m proud of what America did to win the Cold War, defeat Soviet communism, and defend democracy. Our nation stood for freedom. You may be unfamiliar with that part of our history since you weren’t yet an American citizen,” Liz Cheney said.
This remark drew criticism from various quarters, including former Georgia State Rep. Vernon Jones, who accused Cheney of prioritizing illegal immigrants over Musk’s contributions to the United States.
USAID Under the Microscope
The controversy has placed USAID’s operations under intense scrutiny. Critics allege that the agency has misused funds to influence media narratives and political outcomes, particularly concerning President Donald Trump and the Russiagate controversy.
Musk, who is leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) effort to reduce government waste and fraud, has set his sights on USAID. He has described the agency as “a bowl of worms” and suggested it may be beyond repair, echoing sentiments expressed by President Trump.
Despite the criticism, Cheney and others have defended USAID’s role in American foreign policy. Cheney emphasized the agency’s contribution to winning the Cold War and promoting democracy abroad. Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar also came to USAID’s defense, highlighting its role in saving lives and criticizing attempts to dismantle the agency.
