Watchdog group may not release reports on USAID cuts for fear of retaliation

• The Washington Post reported that there are two critical reports of the Trump administration’s cuts involving the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). However, the watchdog for the agency may not be releasing the reports because of fear of retaliation.

• According to the Post, one aspect of the reports deals with the lack of humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip.
• The report indicates that reducing USAID workers has left few staff members to work with aid groups, the U.N., Israel and Egypt when it comes to arranging relief such as food, shelter and medicine in the region.

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The watchdog for the U.S. Agency for International Development is holding back on releasing two critical reports on the consequences of the Trump administration’s freeze on services in Africa and the Middle East. The Washington Post reported that the group fears retaliations from the White House.

What does the report say about the cuts at USAID?

According to the Post, one of the reports indicates the cuts to USAID threaten to harm the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. More specifically, $300 million in humanitarian aid for the war-torn Gaza Strip.

What other regions are supposedly affected?

An unpublished global audit also discovered security dangers and risks of looting and disease, as well as new costs brought on by the withdrawal and relocation of USAID in places like South Sudan and other African nations, where aid workers often deal with issues such as hunger.

Where are the reports now?

The reports are apparently in the email inboxes of acting Deputy Inspector General Marc Meyer and his staff, but have not been released out of fear that such critical reports will lead to retaliation against the agency by the White House.

What is the background with USAID leadership?

The USAID watchdog office has 275 investigators and auditors, but has been without a permanent leader since the Trump administration fired former Inspector General Paul Martin.

Martin was fired one day after issuing a critical report on the ramifications of mass cuts at USAID by the administration. Martin had directed his staff to examine the effects of Washington withholding foreign aid and cutting workers.

Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, reportedly asked for a copy of the critical report but has yet to receive it.

What is the current status of relief workers in the Gaza Strip?

Investigators found the sidelining of USAID workers has left few staff members to work with aid groups, the United Nations, Israel and Egypt when it comes to arranging relief, such as food, shelter and medicine in the Gaza Strip.