In a revelation that has shocked many, it has come to light that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) fully funded the college education of Anwar al-Awlaki, a key al Qaeda operative linked to major terrorist attacks, including the 2009 Fort Hood shooting and the attempted Christmas Day bombing.

The Radicalization of Anwar al-Awlaki

Anwar al-Awlaki, born in New Mexico in 1971, manipulated his identity to falsely claim Yemeni citizenship, a move reportedly encouraged by American officials. This deception enabled him to secure a USAID-funded scholarship designated for foreign students. During his time at Colorado State University, where he studied civil engineering, Awlaki reported being under the care of “USAID/Sanaa.”

Following his education, Awlaki became a prominent Muslim cleric, preaching in Denver, Falls Church, Virginia, and San Diego. His San Diego mosque was notably attended by 9/11 terrorists Khalid al-Mihdhar and Nawaf al-Hazmi. By 2009, U.S. intelligence regarded him as a terrorist mastermind rather than just a sympathizer.

Terrorist Ties and Missed Warnings

In 2009, Awlaki was in communication with U.S. Army Maj. Nidal Hasan, who later carried out the Fort Hood massacre, killing 13 people. Despite intelligence awareness of Hasan’s radicalization, the FBI dropped its surveillance. Awlaki also orchestrated the failed 2009 Christmas Day bombing of a Detroit-bound airliner. He was killed in a drone strike two years later, but his government-sponsored education raises significant concerns about USAID’s oversight.

USAID and Covert Operations

Beyond its funding of Awlaki’s education, USAID has long been suspected of serving as a front for CIA operations. Catherine Traywick of *Foreign Policy* highlighted a covertly launched USAID social media project in Cuba in 2010, intended to incite opposition to the Communist government. The effort ultimately failed, reflecting a broader shift in U.S. intelligence priorities.

Under President Obama, intelligence agencies pivoted away from aggressively countering Islamic terrorism. Obama’s CIA director, John Brennan, previously a supporter of the Communist Party’s Gus Hall, openly rejected the notion that jihad was linked to terrorism. His book, *Undaunted: My Fight Against America’s Enemies at Home and Abroad*, underscores this ideological shift, targeting domestic opposition rather than foreign threats.

Intelligence Failures and Policy Shifts

The mishandling of Awlaki and other threats highlights broader intelligence failures under the Obama administration. The CIA failed to intercept Abdul Farouk Abdulmutallab, the Nigerian national known as the “underwear bomber,” despite clear warning signs. Obama’s reluctance to label these attacks as terrorism further reinforced concerns about intelligence priorities.

USAID’s Continued Controversy

Recent reports indicate that USAID has provided at least \$122 million to groups linked to designated terrorists. The extent of the CIA’s involvement remains unclear, but the agency’s use of USAID as a cover is widely acknowledged. This funding revelation raises urgent questions about government accountability.

Unanswered Questions and the Road Ahead

The connections between U.S.-funded institutions and radical elements extend beyond Awlaki. The San Diego mosque where he preached was also attended by Ammar Najjar, grandson of Muhammad Abu Yousef al-Najjar, mastermind of the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre. Najjar’s background and political ambitions, including his failed congressional runs and subsequent enlistment in the U.S. Navy, warrant further scrutiny.

As calls grow for greater transparency, former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe should push for full disclosure of what the CIA knows about USAID’s funding activities. Meanwhile, a broader investigation into USAID’s operations is necessary to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not inadvertently supporting terrorism.

The American people deserve the truth.