Editorial Summary
Trump’s ruthless war on USAID-CIA nexus
- 02/08/2025
- Posted by: cssplatformbytha.com
- Category: Dawn Editorial Summary

Imtiaz Gul’s article unveils the deep-rooted nexus between USAID and the CIA, exposing the role of foreign aid as a façade for intelligence gathering and covert operations. Trump’s public denunciation of this relationship, backed by revelations from figures like Mike Benz, has lent credibility to long-standing suspicions about American interventionism. The article looks into Pakistan’s history with such covert programs, citing cases like the Population Profiling Vulnerability and Response (PPVR) survey and Dr. Shakeel Afridi’s polio campaign—both of which allegedly served as intelligence-gathering operations under humanitarian pretenses. The abrupt termination of these projects following the assassination of Osama bin Laden reinforces the notion that USAID’s involvement in Pakistan was anything but purely developmental.
Beyond Pakistan, the piece highlights a broader geopolitical strategy where USAID funds, amounting to $40 billion annually, have allegedly been weaponized to orchestrate regime changes and influence global politics. Gul references books like Confessions of an Economic Hit Man to substantiate claims that such interventions are neither new nor isolated. He also underscores the involvement of private security contractors and Western media outlets in furthering these agendas, emphasizing that these revelations—now coming directly from the highest echelons of American leadership—are not mere conspiracy theories but part of an orchestrated system of control.
Overview:
The article sheds light on how USAID has historically functioned as a tool for intelligence gathering under the guise of humanitarian aid. It specifically examines Pakistan’s experiences with such interventions and the ethical implications of using development programs for espionage. The revelations, now backed by Trump and Musk, suggest a systemic pattern of covert operations disguised as foreign assistance.
NOTES:
This article highlights how foreign aid, particularly through USAID, has been used as a strategic tool for intelligence gathering and covert operations, raising concerns about state sovereignty and external influence. In the context of Pakistan Affairs, it explores how USAID-funded projects like the PPVR survey and Dr. Shakeel Afridi’s polio campaign was allegedly exploited for intelligence purposes, reinforcing suspicions about Western interventions. Furthermore, it connects with Global Politics by exposing the broader strategy of using foreign aid to orchestrate regime changes and control political landscapes, as evidenced by the involvement of private security firms and the media.
Relevant CSS Syllabus Topics:
- International Relations: The role of foreign aid in intelligence operations and state sovereignty.
- Pakistan Affairs: The impact of USAID’s operations on Pakistan’s internal security and policy-making.
- Global Politics: The strategic use of aid to manipulate political landscapes.
Notes for Beginners:
Foreign aid is often perceived as a means to support struggling nations, but this article reveals how it can be manipulated for intelligence operations. In Pakistan, USAID-funded projects such as the PPVR survey and the polio vaccination campaign were later suspected of being fronts for espionage. This has led to widespread mistrust in genuine humanitarian efforts, as people fear that such initiatives may have hidden agendas. The case of Dr. Shakeel Afridi, who allegedly helped the CIA track Osama bin Laden through a fake vaccination drive, exemplifies how development programs can be repurposed for geopolitical interests. The revelations by Trump and Musk, coupled with historical accounts from books like Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, reinforce the notion that powerful nations often use aid as a tool for political maneuvering rather than purely benevolent assistance. Understanding this dynamic helps in critically assessing the true motivations behind international development projects.
Facts and Figures:
- USAID’s annual funding: $40 billion
- BEFARe’s controversial PPVR survey started in 2009
- Afridi’s polio campaign linked to the CIA in 2011
- Books like Confessions of an Economic Hit Man expose similar strategies worldwide
To wrap up, The article brings to light a disturbing reality—foreign aid is not always what it seems. With Trump himself confirming USAID’s intelligence ties, the line between humanitarian work and espionage has blurred. Pakistan’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for other developing nations, underscoring the need for vigilance against foreign interventions masked as benevolent aid.