Elon Musk is targeting the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), an organization funded by the U.S. Congress since 1983 to support democracy abroad. He accuses the organization of corruption and calls for its dissolution. Since these statements, the NED has been unable to access its U.S. Treasury funds, putting many beneficiary organizations at risk.
Traditionally supported by Republicans, the NED is seeing its political allies remain silent in the face of Musk's attacks. Senator Todd Young, a member of its board of directors, has not reacted, while other Republican figures have avoided commenting.
The NED's annual budget, around $300 million, funds initiatives in China, Russia, Ukraine, and Cuba, particularly for human rights and anti-corruption efforts. Beijing has long criticized the organization, accusing it of destabilizing its government.
The sudden disruption of funding has already forced key partners, such as the International Republican Institute and the National Democratic Institute, to lay off or furlough employees. Without access to its funds, the NED warns its beneficiaries that it can no longer guarantee their payments.
Critics view this crisis as a threat to U.S. efforts to promote democracy, while other Republicans, such as Senator Mike Lee, welcome a possible reduction in the NED's role. The Trump administration, which froze part of the funding for foreign operations, remains silent on the situation.
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