The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funneled $270 million over 15 years to the East West Management Institute (EWMI), a nonprofit tied to George Soros’s network. Critics argue that only $9 million was necessary to establish a controversial judicial system in Albania, allegedly used by the socialist government to imprison political opponents.
Concerns Over Judicial Reform Funding
USAID’s funding of progressive projects worldwide has drawn scrutiny, particularly its support of Albania’s judicial overhaul. The Justice for All campaign, launched in 2018 with $9 million from USAID, was designed to strengthen legal institutions. However, Republican lawmakers warned that the initiative gave excessive judicial control to Albania’s socialist leadership.
The Washington Examiner documentary How Biden Aided Soros’s Favorite Narco-State highlighted USAID’s financial backing of Soros-affiliated projects, arguing that taxpayer dollars supported left-leaning governance abroad. The funding continued until President Donald Trump froze foreign aid, ordering a review of USAID’s $40 billion budget.
Financial and Political Impact
Anne M. Trice, head of the Justice for All project, defended the reforms, stating that Albania needed reliable legal institutions. However, public records show she earned nearly $250,000 annually while overseeing the initiative. Meanwhile, EWMI, whose primary funding source is government grants, received over $31 million in fiscal 2024 alone.
Beyond Albania, EWMI managed other USAID-backed initiatives, including a $3.5 million project supporting media in Uzbekistan and a $6.4 million anti-corruption program in Kyrgyzstan. Trump’s freeze on foreign aid sought to prevent further misuse of funds in politically sensitive regions.
The controversy over USAID’s funding raises broader concerns about U.S. foreign aid oversight. With billions allocated to NGOs linked to political agendas, critics argue that unchecked expenditures risk destabilizing allied nations rather than strengthening democratic governance.