The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency has revealed that federal funds intended for global peace initiatives were misallocated to former members of the Afghan Taliban, raising serious concerns about financial oversight. According to the findings, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) receives $55 million annually from Congress to promote global stability. However, the investigation has uncovered a stark contrast between the institution’s stated mission and its actual financial activities.
The department expressed alarm over the fact that funds from a government that claims to be leading the fight against terrorism were directed toward individuals formerly associated with the Taliban. The report disclosed that past U.S. administrations transferred an additional $13 million to private endowments without congressional oversight, with expenditures covering private events and luxury foreign trips. More concerningly, the same institution was found to have funneled substantial sums to individuals linked to the Taliban.
Investigative findings highlight that Mohammad Qasim Halimi, a former Taliban member and Afghanistan’s former Chief of Protocol, received $132,000. Additionally, a foreign accountant, who attempted to erase financial records upon a leadership change, was allocated $22 million. Further allocations included $13 million to the Iraqi Youth League and $675,000 for private aviation services.
These revelations confirm that U.S. public funds were being channeled into unauthorized and questionable avenues, contradicting Washington’s commitment to counterterrorism. The exposure of such financial mismanagement raises urgent calls for greater transparency and congressional oversight to prevent further misuse of federal resources.
