FACT CHECK: False Claims About USAID Funding Bioweapons, Celebrities, and Media Outlets
A wave of misinformation has surfaced following the shutdown of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Various claims, from USAID’s alleged role in bioweapon research to funding media outlets and celebrities, have circulated online. We fact-checked these allegations to separate fact from fiction.
Claim 1: Bill Gates warned that defunding USAID would bring a ‘mystery illness’
Fact: False
A viral post on X claims Bill Gates warned that defunding USAID would cause a new, unknown disease to emerge. However, in a verified interview on The View, Gates expressed concerns about the impact of USAID’s defunding on global health projects, such as vaccination efforts. He stated that without these programs, “millions of deaths” could occur, but he did not mention a ‘mystery illness’.
Claim 2: USAID funded bioweapon research and contributed to COVID-19
Fact: False
There is no evidence that USAID has funded bioweapon research. USAID primarily funds global health initiatives, such as disease prevention, polio vaccinations, and HIV/AIDS treatment. While USAID has supported research on zoonotic diseases (those that jump from animals to humans), this work is aimed at preventing outbreaks—not developing bioweapons.
Furthermore, multiple U.S. intelligence agencies and global investigations have found no link between COVID-19 and any bioweapon program.
Claim 3: USAID funded Jeffrey Epstein in 2023
Fact: False
A viral screenshot claims USAID gave financial support to Jeffrey Epstein in 2023 through the Kaiser Foundation. However, this claim is based on mistaken identity—the Jeffrey Epstein mentioned in the screenshot is a different individual, a board member of the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, and not the infamous financier, who died in 2019.
Claim 4: USAID spent $8.2 million on Politico LLC
Fact: Misleading
A widely circulated screenshot from usaspending.gov suggests that USAID spent over $8 million on Politico LLC. However, a closer examination reveals that USAID’s actual expenditure was only $44,000, which covered subscriptions—not grants or funding.
The $8 million figure represents spending by all U.S. government agencies combined, not just USAID. Additionally, Politico has publicly denied ever receiving government subsidies.
Claim 5: USAID planned to send $50 million worth of condoms to Gaza
Fact: False
No credible sources or official records indicate that USAID allocated $50 million for condom distribution in Gaza. This claim appears to be unsubstantiated political rhetoric, with no supporting documentation.
Claim 6: USAID funds the BBC
Fact: Misleading
USAID has provided funding to BBC Media Action, an independent charity associated with the BBC, for humanitarian projects. However, this funding does not go to the BBC as a news organization. One example is the YouthRISE project in Bangladesh, which aims to reduce conflict and improve community well-being.
Conclusion
The spread of misinformation regarding USAID’s funding, role, and shutdown has been fueled by misleading interpretations, political narratives, and outright falsehoods. There is no evidence supporting claims of USAID’s involvement in bioweapon research, Jeffrey Epstein’s finances, or large-scale media funding. USAID remains a key player in global humanitarian efforts, and its financial records contradict these claims.
🔍 Verdict: False & Misleading
