The representative of the United States Organization for International Development (USAID) told lawmakers on Wednesday that his staff were preparing potential criminal referrals against those who misused taxpayer dollars for foreign development programs.
The New York Times said Peter Marrocco made his remarks while speaking to members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee at a closed meeting.
Although internal reviews are in the early stages, members of the Maroconic team believe they have discovered patterns of illegal activities at agencies that serve as the main component that the US uses to provide foreign aid.
Trump temporarily blocked it with Doge Mission to end USAID
On February 1, 2025, American flags and USAID flags fly outside the USAID building in Washington, DC (Reuters/Annabel Gordon)
Marrocco told lawmakers he was tasked with dismantling the USAID from President Donald Trump and is considering the contracts and grants awarded by lawmakers.
Much of the money given by USAID is supposed to promote stability, economic growth and supply humanitarian assistance in vulnerable regions.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court denied the Trump administration’s request to block a lower court order that the administration would make nearly $2 billion on USAID payments, offering a short-term grace period for international aid groups and contractors seeking payments for previously completed projects.
This is why he has filed dozens of lawsuits trying to counteract Trump’s early actions when the president fails.
Peter Marrocco and President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said Times USAID is made up of ways that make accountability difficult.
“Mr. Marrocco was very clear in revealing the waste there and pointing out how many of these state and USAID programs are designed to be unaccountable,” he said.
USAID is one of the first goals of the Elon Musk-led Office of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and is accused of eradicating wasteful spending.
Demonstrators and lawmakers are working with President Donald Trump and Ally Elon Musk on Capitol Hill, Washington on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 (AP Photo/J. Scott Apple White)
Click here to get the Fox News app
Fox News Digital has reached out to USAID for comment.
Breanne Deppisch of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
Source link