The Trump administration has significantly altered the course of foreign aid since returning to office, redirecting funds from long-standing programs to new, controversial initiatives. While Congress has maintained funding for humanitarian aid, global health, and pro-democracy causes, the administration has found alternative ways to allocate these resources.
Our investigation revealed that the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) a little-known bureau within the State Department, has undergone a dramatic transformation under Trump. Historically, DRL has supported human rights in oppressive countries, but recent findings suggest it is now planning to fund groups supporting right-wing causes in Europe and beyond.
Controversial Grants and Shifting Priorities
Among the proposed grants, one stood out: funding research on crime against minority populations in South Africa. Sources indicated that the key targeted minority population is the white ethnic group known as Afrikaners who were responsible for creating the nation’s infamous apartheid system. The administration suggested funding a group called Lex Libertas founded by a controversial figure advocating for Afrikaner self-governance. This group is currently fundraising to place 3,000 white crosses on the National Mall in remembrance of attacks on South African farmers.
The proposed grant was later opened up to allow a broader set of invited groups to apply for $1 million of funding, though it remains intended for the same purpose. The State Department declined to confirm whether Lex Libertas will be among those invited, citing ongoing deliberations. Former diplomats expressed shock that the victimization of white South Africans would be prioritized over more pressing human rights issues in the region.
Experts Weigh In on the Shift
Experts described the proposed grant as aligned with the Trump administration’s For decades, the U.S. relationship with South Africa has been symbolized by massive support for HIV care. However, since Trump’s return to office, there has been a stark shift toward strengthening ties with fringe white nationalist groups in South Africa.
Mattie Webb a professor at the Virginia Military Institute who studies South Africa and U.S. foreign policy, noted that the U.S. is clearly shifting its priorities away from aid that would benefit a broader population in South Africa to a narrow focus on the white minority. In the last 18 months, Trump has argued there is a genocide of white South Africans, using claims of disproportionate violence to justify cutting off U.S. funding for HIV treatment and research.
Broader Implications and Concerns
The administration’s focus on funding groups like Lex Libertas risks driving a wedge between the U.S. and South Africa, potentially jeopardizing a relationship vital to U.S. national security and economic interests. Other proposed grants have also raised red flags, including funding for a British free-speech organization that has fought against bans on discredited ‘gay conversion therapy’ practices. This $5 million grant would support people facing ‘deplatforming’ and advocate against ‘restrictive online safety and hate speech laws.’
In addition, a call for proposals recently released by the bureau would fund research, conferences, and cultural engagements in wealthy democracies to develop ‘civilizational self-confidence in Europe.’ While not all proposed funding is directed to controversial groups, some grants intended for more traditional human rights projects skirt federal requirements for competitive bidding, raising concerns about waste, fraud, and abuse.
The State Department stressed that the process of awarding grants is ongoing and that multiple offices provide input. They noted that programs are still in active deliberation and that receipt of a grant is not guaranteed to any organization that does not meet all requirements and standards for federal grants.
As we continue to report on foreign aid and the Trump administration’s policies in South Africa, we encourage anyone with tips or information to get in touch. Reach out via phone or Signal to Anna Maria Barry-Jester at 408-504-8131 or Sharon Lerner at 718-877-5236.
