Part 6/8:
There was a clear condemnation of what was described as the "weaponization" of USAID, with claims that political motivations skewed its intended mission. This led to a larger discussion on the extent to which the agency should operate in accordance with American national security interests versus pursuing ideological goals.
The Role of Democracy Promotion
The aspects of USAID’s mission concerning democracy promotion were also scrutinized. In analyzing whether American funding should support what some witness characterized as propaganda, a stark division arose regarding the agency’s implications for regime change and its consequences.