On Feb 10, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico commended U.S. government efficiency adviser for working towards dismantling the main U.S. aid agency, alleging that its funds had been used to manipulate the political system in Slovakia. The agency has been a primary target of a campaign spearheaded by billionaire and Trump supporter Musk since the Republican president took office on January 20.
Fico, leading the leftist-nationalist government in Slovakia, has persistently criticized the pro-Western liberal opposition, non-governmental organizations, and media in his country, accusing them of plotting against Slovakia.
In a letter posted on Facebook to Musk, Fico stated, "It is indisputable that financial resources from USAID were utilized in Slovakia for political purposes, aiming to distort the political system and favor specific political parties." However, he did not present any evidence to support his claim.
Fico requested Musk to disclose information regarding grants awarded to "non-governmental organizations, media, and individual journalists operating in Slovakia" to identify projects that, according to him, interfered in Slovakia's internal affairs.
In recent weeks, Fico has faced protests from tens of thousands of citizens across Slovakia who perceive a regression in democracy and a shift in foreign policy towards Russia. Despite alleging that organizers intended to overthrow the government in a coup, Fico provided no evidence to support his claims.
Following Fico's letter, his ally and neighbor made remarks indicating plans to unveil all aid directed from the U.S. to NGOs and media critical of the government, emphasizing the need to "eliminate these foreign networks".
In response to Trump's reduction in U.S. foreign aid, a global charity expressed strong criticism, stating that terminating funding for USAID would have a "devastating" impact on the developing world.