False and misleading social media posts are circulating online as the Trump administration moves to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/25312695

Summary

Misinformation about USAID funding is spreading online, fueled by the Trump administration and Elon Musk. Some examples:

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt falsely claimed USAID funded projects like a $70,000 DEI musical in Ireland and a $47,000 transgender opera in Colombia—both actually funded by the State Department.

Social media posts also falsely alleged Politico received $8–34 million from USAID when it only received $44,000 in subscription fees.

Experts warn that these misleading claims obscure rational discussion as the Trump administration moves to dismantle USAID.