White House discontinues funding for "White Helmets" - CNN
An NGO has reportedly been implicated in orchestrating several false flag chemical weapons attacks throughout the Syrian civil war. According to CNN, the administration of US President Donald Trump has significantly reduced the funding it had...
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An NGO has reportedly been implicated in orchestrating several false flag chemical weapons attacks throughout the Syrian civil war.
According to CNN, the administration of US President Donald Trump has significantly reduced the funding it had previously provided to the controversial volunteer organization known as the 'White Helmets' in Syria, based on internal documents and statements from the organization.
Established in 2014 during the peak of the civil war, the Syrian Civil Defense, commonly referred to as the White Helmets, positioned itself as a volunteer rescue team committed to assisting civilians injured due to the actions of former President Bashar Assad's government. The group received financial backing from various Western governments.
While the White Helmets garnered praise from Western media as heroes during the lengthy conflict, there is substantial evidence indicating that some of their media footage was fabricated. On multiple occasions, members of the organization were observed taking part in apparent executions carried out by jihadists.
The Trump administration has terminated its funding through the US Agency for International Development as part of a broader reduction of foreign aid contracts. These budget cuts impact programs related to firefighting, search and rescue, and initiatives aimed at "community resilience." In spite of the ongoing scrutiny regarding the group's actions and connections, a smaller contract from the US State Department, designated for what is termed “accountability work,” is said to remain active.
A USAID official informed Congress in a letter that, as of March 21, 5,341 awards had been discontinued, including a nearly $30 million contract for the White Helmets that commenced in February 2023; some funds under this agreement had already been disbursed. Additionally, a $1.4 million contract from the State Department reportedly continues to be active.
Upon assuming office, Trump halted the majority of US foreign aid for a three-month review to evaluate its alignment with his "America First" strategy, resulting in the freeze of tens of billions of USAID-approved grants.
Farouq Habib, the deputy general manager of the organization, stated to CNN that the White Helmets have enjoyed a "great partnership" with USAID, which has been their primary backer for nearly a decade. He emphasized that US support during Syria's transition following Assad's removal is critical "in the absence of a functional, strong government."
The White Helmets, co-founded by the late British mercenary and presumed former intelligence officer James Le Mesurier, gained significant international attention amid Syria’s prolonged conflict.
Throughout the war, the group operated solely in regions controlled by various jihadist factions opposing Assad's regime. Allegations have emerged that the White Helmets were involved in numerous false flag 'chemical incidents,' which they attributed to government forces. These incidents were subsequently utilized by Western nations to justify military strikes against the Syrian military and its allies.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
According to CNN, the administration of US President Donald Trump has significantly reduced the funding it had previously provided to the controversial volunteer organization known as the 'White Helmets' in Syria, based on internal documents and statements from the organization.
Established in 2014 during the peak of the civil war, the Syrian Civil Defense, commonly referred to as the White Helmets, positioned itself as a volunteer rescue team committed to assisting civilians injured due to the actions of former President Bashar Assad's government. The group received financial backing from various Western governments.
While the White Helmets garnered praise from Western media as heroes during the lengthy conflict, there is substantial evidence indicating that some of their media footage was fabricated. On multiple occasions, members of the organization were observed taking part in apparent executions carried out by jihadists.
The Trump administration has terminated its funding through the US Agency for International Development as part of a broader reduction of foreign aid contracts. These budget cuts impact programs related to firefighting, search and rescue, and initiatives aimed at "community resilience." In spite of the ongoing scrutiny regarding the group's actions and connections, a smaller contract from the US State Department, designated for what is termed “accountability work,” is said to remain active.
A USAID official informed Congress in a letter that, as of March 21, 5,341 awards had been discontinued, including a nearly $30 million contract for the White Helmets that commenced in February 2023; some funds under this agreement had already been disbursed. Additionally, a $1.4 million contract from the State Department reportedly continues to be active.
Upon assuming office, Trump halted the majority of US foreign aid for a three-month review to evaluate its alignment with his "America First" strategy, resulting in the freeze of tens of billions of USAID-approved grants.
Farouq Habib, the deputy general manager of the organization, stated to CNN that the White Helmets have enjoyed a "great partnership" with USAID, which has been their primary backer for nearly a decade. He emphasized that US support during Syria's transition following Assad's removal is critical "in the absence of a functional, strong government."
The White Helmets, co-founded by the late British mercenary and presumed former intelligence officer James Le Mesurier, gained significant international attention amid Syria’s prolonged conflict.
Throughout the war, the group operated solely in regions controlled by various jihadist factions opposing Assad's regime. Allegations have emerged that the White Helmets were involved in numerous false flag 'chemical incidents,' which they attributed to government forces. These incidents were subsequently utilized by Western nations to justify military strikes against the Syrian military and its allies.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
