The image, likely from Syria's early 2010s civil war, depicts rebels using captured USAID tents for propaganda.
Musk called USAID the 'tip of the
iceberg' of issues, citing cases like a Syrian charged in 2024 for diverting $9
million in aid to al-Qaeda affiliates and UNRWA staff linked to Hamas attacks.
This came as his DOGE slashed 83% of USAID
programs in 2025, merging remnants into the State Department amid debates over
waste versus lives saved by health initiatives.
The post fueled discussions on whether aid fosters security or fuels conflict.