ArdorComm News Network
February 7, 2025
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has made an explosive claim that billions of dollars have been stolen from USAID and funneled to news media outlets as a “payoff” for favorable coverage of Democrats. Posting on Truth Social, Trump singled out Politico, alleging it received $8 million and questioning whether other major outlets, including The New York Times, were also beneficiaries.
Politico’s leadership swiftly denied the accusation in a memo to staff, stating that the publication has “never been a beneficiary of government programs or subsidies—not one cent, ever, in 18 years.”
The controversy arises amid Trump’s sweeping government overhaul, which has included a 90-day freeze on foreign aid, mass furloughs at USAID, and a shutdown of thousands of global programs. Federal worker unions have raised concerns over widespread layoffs, with at least 20,000 employees reportedly accepting a buyout offer from the administration.
Adding to the upheaval, Trump has appointed Elon Musk to spearhead the restructuring of federal agencies, triggering protests and uncertainty in Washington.