Corruption hunters say Trump's USAID cuts just made organized crime groups “much more dangerous”

Salon - Apr 3rd, 2025
Open on Salon

The recent cuts to USAID funding have significantly impacted international journalism organizations like the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which formerly relied on USAID for a substantial portion of its budget. The funding cuts have led to a reduction in staff and have hindered investigative reporting efforts on global corruption and organized crime. These journalism projects, which have uncovered major corruption stories like the Panama and Paradise Papers, are now struggling to continue their work, potentially allowing organized crime to flourish and affecting international transparency and accountability.

The implications of these cuts extend beyond journalism, as they may enable increased corruption and organized crime activities, which can ultimately impact the United States economically and socially. Investigations by OCCRP have historically returned significant funds to U.S. coffers, demonstrating a financial benefit that outweighs the cost of funding. Critics argue that the decision to cut funding is short-sighted, jeopardizing the effectiveness of law enforcement and the integrity of business environments globally. The ongoing legal battle to restore funding highlights the contentious nature of these cuts and their broader implications on international crime and corruption.

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RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed examination of the impact of USAID budget cuts on international investigative journalism, focusing on the experiences of journalists affiliated with the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). It effectively highlights the broader implications of these cuts on global security and transparency, emphasizing the importance of continued support for investigative journalism.

While the article presents a compelling narrative supported by credible sources, it would benefit from a more balanced perspective that includes viewpoints from government officials or independent analysts. Additionally, further verification of certain claims, such as the financial returns from OCCRP's investigations, would enhance the article's accuracy.

Overall, the article is well-written and timely, addressing a topic of significant public interest with potential implications for policy discussions and public opinion. Its clarity and engagement potential make it accessible to a general audience, encouraging readers to consider the broader impact of government funding decisions on transparency and accountability.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims regarding the impact of USAID budget cuts on the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). The claim that OCCRP received significant funding from USAID and other U.S. government agencies, constituting about 38% of its operational budget, is specific and verifiable, though it would benefit from additional corroboration. The article also states that OCCRP had to lay off about 40% of its staff due to these cuts, a claim that requires confirmation from OCCRP or other reliable sources.

The article mentions that OCCRP's investigations have returned over $3 billion to U.S. coffers, claiming a $100 return for every dollar invested. This is a significant assertion that demands evidence or detailed reporting to substantiate. While the article provides specific examples of investigations impacted by the cuts, such as those into the Tren de Aragua and 'Ndrangheta, verifying these details with independent sources would enhance credibility.

Overall, the article makes several precise claims that are plausible given the context, but some require further evidence or verification to ensure full accuracy. The legal aspects concerning the lawsuit and the White House's authority to freeze funds also need more detailed legal context to fully understand their accuracy.

6
Balance

The article primarily presents perspectives from journalists and individuals directly affected by the USAID cuts, particularly those affiliated with OCCRP. This focus provides a detailed view of the consequences of funding reductions on investigative journalism but lacks representation from other stakeholders, such as government officials or independent analysts, who could offer alternative viewpoints.

The narrative suggests that the cuts are detrimental and short-sighted, a perspective shared by the journalists quoted. However, it does not explore potential justifications or reasoning from the government's perspective, which could provide a more balanced view of the situation. Including voices that support or justify the funding cuts would help readers understand the broader context and rationale behind the decisions.

Overall, while the article effectively highlights the impact of the cuts on investigative journalism, it would benefit from a more balanced presentation by incorporating diverse perspectives on the issue.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey its main points, making it accessible to a general audience. It effectively outlines the impact of USAID cuts on OCCRP and provides specific examples of investigations affected by these cuts, which helps to illustrate the broader implications.

The narrative flows logically, starting with the overview of the funding cuts and moving into detailed accounts from affected journalists. The use of direct quotes adds authenticity and clarity to the reporting. However, the article could benefit from a more organized presentation of the legal aspects related to the lawsuit, which are somewhat scattered throughout the text.

Overall, the article maintains a clear and coherent structure, effectively communicating its key messages to readers.

8
Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, including direct quotes from OCCRP journalists like Drew Sullivan and Pavla Holcova, who have firsthand knowledge of the impact of USAID cuts. These individuals are authoritative voices in the field of investigative journalism, lending credibility to the claims made.

Salon, the publication outlet, is generally considered a reputable source, though it is known for its progressive stance, which may influence its reporting angle. The article also references specific investigations conducted by OCCRP, adding depth and specificity to its claims.

However, the article would benefit from incorporating additional independent sources or expert opinions to corroborate the claims made by OCCRP representatives and to provide a broader context. This would enhance the overall reliability and impartiality of the reporting.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent in its presentation of the main claims and the sources of its information, primarily quoting OCCRP journalists and detailing their perspectives on the impact of funding cuts. The article makes clear that the information is based on interviews with these individuals, providing readers with a clear understanding of the basis for the claims.

However, the article could improve transparency by providing more detailed context on the methodology used to calculate the claimed financial returns from OCCRP's investigations. Additionally, a more explicit disclosure of any potential biases or conflicts of interest from the sources quoted would enhance transparency.

Overall, while the article is clear about its sources and the information they provide, it could offer more comprehensive context and methodology explanations to fully support its claims.

Sources

  1. https://www.salon.com/2025/04/03/corruption-hunters-say-usaid-cuts-just-made-organized-groups-much-more-dangerous/
  2. https://www.usaidstopwork.com
  3. https://www.cgdev.org/blog/usaid-being-dismantled-when-world-needs-it-most