Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) has become the center of a social media storm following his fervent defense of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Booker's impassioned speech at a rally outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday aimed to counter Elon Musk's efforts to curtail USAID's spending, particularly on programs deemed controversial by critics.
Booker vowed to combat what he perceives as violations of civil service laws, civil rights laws, separation of powers, and the U.S. Constitution. His strong words came in response to proposed cuts to USAID funding, including a program that allocated $1.5 million to promote DEI in Serbian workplaces, as highlighted by the White House.
Critics, including Trump's rapid response team, questioned Booker's defense of the agency's spending practices. They specifically cited concerns about USAID's funding of what they consider "LGBT activism" in Guatemala and other "bizarre projects in foreign countries." New Jersey State Senator Mike Testa (R) accused Booker of prioritizing "foreign pet projects" over the interests of his constituents.
Further fueling the controversy, a White House report detailed USAID's spending, including $15 million on contraceptives and condoms that allegedly fell into the hands of the Taliban and $20 million for a Sesame Street program in Iraq aimed at fostering understanding across different groups.
Musk, leading the charge to scrutinize and reduce USAID spending as part of his work with the Department of Government Efficiency, has drawn both criticism and support. Hundreds of activists and several Democratic members of Congress joined the rally on Wednesday to protest the proposed cuts and Musk's involvement.
