Chelsea Clinton Denounces 'Misinformation' Claim That She Took $84M from USAID

Chelsea Clinton Denounces 'Weaponized' Misinformation Amid USAID Funding Controversy

Chelsea Clinton has pushed back against viral claims alleging she received $84 million from the embattled United States Agency for International Development (USAID), denouncing them as "misinformation" and "weaponized" attacks against her family.

The allegations surfaced amid broader scrutiny of USAID, an agency that administers billions in U.S. humanitarian and development aid. Both former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk have called for its dismantling, deeming it "beyond repair" and a waste of taxpayer funds. Musk, who heads Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, led a civilian review that recommended shutting down the agency. Seth Harrison/The Journal News, Rockland/Westchester Journal News via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Clinton Refutes Allegations, Emphasizes Foundation’s Achievements

Responding to the allegations, Chelsea Clinton took to X, stating: "Lies and conspiracies about my family and me are nothing new. Still, I am particularly troubled by the absurd claims that continue to pervade social media this week, fact checks be damned."

She further defended the Clinton Foundation's work, emphasizing: "I don’t take a cent from the Foundation. Never have. In fact, my family personally contributes meaningfully to our work each year."

"Misinformation isn't just noise—it's a weapon," she added. "Efforts to undermine good work won't stop us, and we stand in solidarity with those who are committed to truth, public health, progress, and the endless potential of our future." @ChelseaClinton / X

Fact-Checkers Dispute Viral Claims

The fact-checking website Snopes debunked the claim that Chelsea Clinton personally received $84 million from USAID. The site clarified that a widely shared graph referred to USAID funding directed toward the Clinton Foundation, not to Clinton herself.

According to government data from fiscal years 2008 to 2024, USAID had not allocated more than $7.5 million to the foundation. Additionally, tax records confirm that Chelsea Clinton does not receive financial compensation for her work there. Nicole Hester / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

USAID’s Role and Funding History

USAID, the world's largest donor of foreign aid, directs funding toward programs including women's health in conflict zones, HIV/AIDS treatment, energy security, and anti-corruption initiatives.

The Clinton Foundation has received financial awards from the U.S. government, including a $49,998 grant in 2010 for AmeriCorps National. USAID also provided $7.49 million to the Clinton Health Access Initiative between 2019 and 2021, a separate entity that operates under the Clinton Foundation’s umbrella. U.S. Government / Wikimedia

Trump Administration’s Legal Battle Over USAID

Trump’s push to dismantle USAID has met legal resistance. A federal judge temporarily blocked the administration from placing 2,200 employees on leave, siding with unions representing USAID workers who argued that the move violated the U.S. Constitution.

Judge Carl Nichols issued a restraining order, stating that the employees would suffer "irreparable harm" if removed, while the government faced "zero harm" from maintaining their employment. The order reinstated 500 employees already placed on leave and paused the planned cuts pending further legal review. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Trump Administration Defends Cuts

The Trump administration has defended its actions, with Justice Department official Brett Shumate arguing, "The President has decided there is corruption and fraud at USAID."

With USAID’s future in limbo, the controversy continues to fuel debate over the role of U.S. foreign aid and the broader implications of the government's budget cuts. Mathieu Landretti / Wikimedia