Overview

• Senator Joni Ernst's investigation revealed USAID funded projects such as a pet tracking app, designer furniture, and fashion trade missions in Ukraine using taxpayer money.
• USAID's Competitive Economy Program and Investment for Business Resilience program awarded grants of up to $2 million to Ukrainian businesses, including a custom carpet manufacturer and a specialty confectionery company.
• Some grants supported non-essential ventures, such as sending Ukrainian designers and models to international events like Paris Fashion Week and South by Southwest.
• Ernst accused USAID of obstructing congressional oversight by misclassifying spending data as classified and limiting access to records.
• The findings have intensified scrutiny of USAID's management of foreign aid, with Ernst calling for greater accountability in how taxpayer funds are spent abroad.