USAID’s Alleged Payments To Politico Raise Concerns Over Media Influence

Reports that Politico received taxpayer money through USAID have sparked questions about whether federal funds were used to support a left-leaning news outlet. The issue gained attention after Politico missed payroll just days after President Donald Trump cut USAID’s funding and launched an audit of the agency.

Liz Wheeler reported on X that Politico had received approximately $34.3 million from various government agencies, far more than the $8 million previously linked to USAID. According to Wheeler, the payments began in 2015 and increased significantly during Biden’s presidency. She identified agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education as sources of the funding.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) condemned the reported payments, arguing that taxpayer dollars should not have been directed toward a media outlet with a clear political bias. Other commentators, including Paul A. Szypula and Sara Rose, noted that Politico’s payroll problems arose just as USAID’s funding was cut off. Szypula suggested that Politico may have been dependent on these funds for its financial stability.

Journalist Breanna Morello claimed that USAID also provided financial support to other media organizations, including the New York Times and BBC. According to an estimated breakdown from David Procino, Politico took in $32 million, while the New York Times and BBC received $3.1 million and $3.2 million respectively.

This controversy follows a major shift at USAID, where Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, took control of the agency. Reports indicate that over 600 employees were locked out and that the agency’s financial networks were seized. The White House accused USAID of using taxpayer money for political initiatives rather than humanitarian aid, with some reports linking the agency’s spending to Burisma, the Ukrainian energy company tied to Hunter Biden.

Politico management claimed that the payroll disruption was due to a “technical error,” but critics remain unconvinced. Journalist David Harsanyi pointed out that Politico frequently covered USAID without disclosing that it had been receiving funds from the agency. As scrutiny increases, more questions are being raised about how taxpayer money has been used to fund media organizations.