Staff Reports
In the world of government, saying there’s a bit of a mess is like calling a hurricane a little rainstorm. Recently, Mark Moyer, a whistleblower from USAID (the U.S. Agency for International Development), opened up about some eyebrow-raising practices at the agency. Buckle up, folks, this is one wild ride through the bureaucracy.
Moyer joined USAID in 2018, and the first thing he was thrown into was a training exercise as part of his orientation. Here, he was identified as a Scandinavian woman during what’s called a “privilege walk.” This exercise consists of participants stepping forward or backward based on various questions related to their identity. The outcome? Moyer ended up near the front of the group, while others representing more “disadvantaged” identities stood at the back. Instead of focusing on actual governmental responsibilities, it seems like the agency spent its time on identity politics.
As Moyer settled into his role, he noticed a pattern of dubious activities, particularly concerning project funding. For example, a feminist book club that had started under the Obama administration was rebranded as a “counter-terrorism program.” Yes, you heard that right. In the eyes of the agency, promoting feminism among women was suddenly part of the fight against terrorism. Talk about changing the narrative!
When Moyer saw something he deemed corrupt, he bravely reported it, expecting to help improve USAID. Instead, he found himself under fire—literally. Accused of leaking classified information from two years prior, Moyer was soon out of a job while those allegedly involved in the corrupt practices remained safe in their positions. It begs the question, isn’t it strange how often whistleblowers face retribution while wrongdoers carry on with their shenanigans?
Moyer’s experiences shed light on a troubling culture within the agency. He mentioned that individuals within USAID seemed reluctant to report corruption because those who dared to speak out often faced serious consequences. The system seemed rigged against integrity, and Moyer found himself fighting a legal battle just to access basic information about the agency’s operations. This is not just a one-time incident; it’s a pervasive issue that has drawn the ire of many.
Now, as Congress (and the public) ramps up scrutiny of USAID, there are calls for forensic accountants to dive into the agency’s books. Moyer testified that the “bureaucrats have devised very crafty ways to hide money.” Sounds like a good old-fashioned treasure hunt—except it’s our tax dollars they’re hiding. Moyer argued that the previous administration’s officials, who should have been vigilant, were perhaps a bit too lenient when it came to rooting out the mischief happening under their noses.
In a fitting end to this saga, Moyer raised an eyebrow at the Biden administration’s hefty payments—$26 million—to Politico for subscriptions. This public relations move certainly raises questions, especially considering Politico’s history of producing unflattering pieces about the Trump administration. Many wonder why taxpayer dollars are going to a media organization that doesn’t exactly have a reputation for impartiality. If this were a conservative outlet being funded by the government, the uproar would likely be deafening.
With whistleblowers like Moyer risking it all to reveal the truth, we might just see some significant changes within USAID if eyes remain trained on the issues at hand. After all, no one likes a money pit, especially when it’s taxpayer money disappearing into the abyss of bureaucratic inefficiency. It’s time to dig deeper and demand accountability—before the privilege walk turns into a privilege jog right out the door!
