New Delhi, March 3 : Billionaire entrepreneur and presidential adviser Elon Musk has launched a blistering attack on US-funded non-governmental organizations (NGOs), labeling them a “biggest scam ever” and blaming them for contributing to America’s financial downturn. Speaking on the Joe Rogan Podcast, Musk argued that taxpayer money is being funneled into “wasteful” NGOs, which he claims are often tools for government influence and regime change. His remarks have intensified an ongoing debate over the transparency and legitimacy of US-backed NGOs, particularly those established under previous Democratic administrations. Musk’s comments come amid a broader crackdown by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a newly created body under President Donald Trump aimed at reducing federal spending—which has already begun reviewing multi-billion-dollar grants to NGOs operating globally.

Musk alleged that government-funded NGOs operate as loopholes to circumvent legal restrictions, allowing funds to be misused under the guise of humanitarian aid. “These so-called non-profits receive billions, but the reality is that many of them are just money-laundering operations,” Musk claimed. He pointed to cases where organizations with little to no prior history secured massive grants within a short span, raising suspicions of financial misconduct. The billionaire also accused figures like George Soros of “hacking the system” by leveraging small seed donations into billion-dollar NGO enterprises through political lobbying. While some experts agree that certain NGOs have been linked to corruption, critics argue that Musk’s sweeping statements risk undermining legitimate humanitarian efforts that depend on US funding.

The backlash from Musk’s remarks has been swift, with NGOs and opposition leaders warning that cutting foreign aid programs indiscriminately could have dire humanitarian consequences. Advocacy groups, including USAID-funded organizations, have pushed back, emphasizing that these funds are crucial for global health, disaster relief, and education initiatives. However, Musk defended his stance, arguing that “at least 90% of NGO funding is either wasted or used for ulterior motives.” He also revealed that DOGE is scrutinizing past grants, with some payments continuing “even after the responsible officials retired or died.” As the Trump administration doubles down on cost-cutting, the debate over NGO funding is expected to intensify, with potential ripple effects on international aid and diplomacy.