Former DOGE Official Waived Safeguards to Rush $30 Million Grant to Trump-Backed Gaza Aid Group Despite 58 USAID Objections

A former official from the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) expedited a $30 million grant to the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF), a Gaza aid group supported by the Trump administration and Israel, despite objections from 58 USAID staff members. This decision involved waiving nine mandatory counterterrorism and anti-fraud safeguards. An internal memorandum revealed that the U.S. State Department official responsible bypassed these safeguards to rush the award last month. Additionally, reports indicate that the U.S. ignored warnings that the GHF was not fit to deliver aid safely and effectively in Gaza, despite critical concerns raised about the group's capacity to manage the aid. The approval of this funding came amid objections and concerns about the GHF's operational fitness.