The White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently claimed that former President Donald Trump had blocked a $50 million aid program for condoms in Gaza. However, experts and official reports suggest no such funding ever existed.
White House’s Unverified Claim
During her first official briefing, Leavitt stated that Trump’s decision prevented a “preposterous waste of taxpayer money.” However, when pressed for evidence, the White House provided no proof. Instead, officials referred to State Department statements, which did not mention a $50 million condom fund.
Official Reports Contradict the Claim
A recent federal report confirmed that:
- USAID provided no funds for condoms in the Middle East during 2021, 2022, or 2023.
- The only contraceptive funding in the region was a small $46,000 supply of injectables and contraceptive pills sent to Jordan.
- The total global spending on condoms by USAID in 2023 was $8.2 million, primarily for African countries—far from the claimed $50 million for Gaza.
Experts Dismiss the Allegation
Several experts and former officials rejected Leavitt’s statement, with a former Biden administration official calling it:
“A complete fabrication… a lie spread by the White House.”
Steve Fake, from the nonprofit Anera, which runs US-funded health programs in Gaza, confirmed that their initiatives do not include condom distribution.
Political Implications
The controversy arises as the White House reverses its decision to freeze federal aid. The freeze, initially defended by Leavitt, had raised concerns over healthcare funding for low-income Americans and potential cuts to major aid programs.
As fact-checks debunk the $50 million Gaza condoms claim, it highlights the growing scrutiny over political narratives regarding foreign aid and spending transparency.