The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been permanently shut down in South Africa, following increasing tensions between Washington and Pretoria.
How the US uses USAID to influence regimes, according to Mike Benz
However, a former US State Department insider, Mike Benz, has sparked controversy by alleging that USAID has historically been used to influence foreign governments rather than purely provide aid.
Benz, who served in the Trump administration, made claims on a recent Joe Rogan podcast episode, stating that USAID was deeply involved in regime change operations across the world.
He pointed to Bangladesh as a recent example, where he alleged that USAID backed opposition groups and funded music videos to fuel protests against the government.
According to Benz, the agency works as an arm of the US intelligence community, aiding both the Pentagon and State Department in executing national security objectives.
He claims that USAID has played a role in shaping policies in multiple countries, including South Africa, by leveraging funding as a bargaining tool.
Benz’s statements have been widely circulated on social media, especially after Elon Musk publicly criticised USAID, calling it a “criminal organization.”
The Trump administration, following Musk’s influence, has taken aggressive steps to dismantle the agency, including recalling overseas employees and cutting all foreign aid programs.
The NGOs affected by USAID shutdown in South Africa
The termination of USAID funding in South Africa has left multiple NGOs and healthcare organisations scrambling to continue operations.
The cuts primarily impact projects funded under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a US-led initiative that has contributed over $8 billion to South Africa’s HIV response since 2003.
Organisations receiving USAID funding were sent termination notices instructing them to shut down immediately.
These included HIV prevention programs, services for vulnerable groups such as LGBTI+ communities and orphans, and TB treatment initiatives.
Many NGOs have criticised the South African government’s lack of response to the crisis.
Without alternative funding sources, millions of people relying on these services now face uncertainty.
Public health experts have warned that the sudden halt in funding could lead to a resurgence of HIV infections and setbacks in years of progress.
Who is Mike Benz?
Mike Benz served in the Trump administration’s State Department, focusing on international communications and cyber policy.
Before that, he worked under then-Housing Secretary Ben Carson. However, his background has been a point of contention, as he was previously an alt-right influencer known for promoting controversial views on social media.
Benz later founded the Foundation for Freedom Online, where he advocates against what he calls the “censorship industrial complex.”
He has become a favourite among right-wing circles for his claims about government overreach and alleged manipulation by intelligence agencies.