Global Refuge

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Elon Musk’s gutting of USAID rips through Baltimore humanitarian groupsMeredith Cohn and Jasmine Vaughn-Hall

2/5/2025

Jhpiego, headquartered in Fells Point, is in turmoil over the Trump administration’s move to gut a funding source: USAID. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)

National security experts say the country will be less safe

The work of two Baltimore organizations charged with improving the health of millions of people around the world screeched to a halt this week when they lost their main funding source, the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Johns Hopkins University-affiliated Jhpiego and Center for Communication Programs have received stop-work orders, affecting at least 4,400 employees worldwide and programs that treat people with cancer and HIV, train local doctors and ensure the health of newborn babies in poor nations.

Seeming to cement the pause, virtually the entire staff of USAID was told Tuesday night by the Trump administration’s main cost-cutter, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, that they would be off the job by Friday and workers abroad would be brought home.

“It’s frightening,” said a worker at Jhpiego, who did not want to be named. The worker said staff was still reporting to work and were told they’d be paid at least until the end of February.

Jhpiego was founded more than a half-century ago and has a focus on improving health for women and children. From its office in Fells Point, it manages hundreds of millions of dollars in grants from USAID and other federal agencies and philanthropic organizations, reaching more than 40 countries at any one time.

Humanitarian groups are in turmoil, the worker and a Washington-based USAID employee told The Banner. They did not want to be named because they didn’t have permission to comment and feared retribution by President Donald Trump’s administration.

Both said they worried about their careers — and have deeper concerns about the future of the work they have been doing in some of the most unstable and poorest parts of the world. The programs save countless lives, they said, but also aim to protect the health and security of Americans.

“The level of experience that could be lost is massive,” the staffer said, “and the effects enormous.”

Alice Payne Merritt, a former deputy director of the Center for Communication Programs, said the organization could have thousands of staff globally at any one time. There are about 150 employees at the Baltimore headquarters and nearby offices who oversee some $100 million in programs in 40 to 50 countries.

The group works with local partners to ensure that people learn about and receive HIV/AIDS medications, as well as nets to protect children from malaria, a leading cause of death among children in Africa. It trains local officials to continue that work.

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Other countries benefit, and so do Americans, she said.

“COVID, malaria, mpox, Ebola, all those things came here from other places. If we can contain them in one place, it stops them from spreading here,” she said. “If humanitarian aid is gutted, we can’t do anything.”

USAID’s budget of about $40 billion is less than 1% of the federal budget, and international development experts say that’s a relatively small investment for the return.

Allyson Bear, a Baltimore-based international development expert and former USAID foreign service officer, said USAID is one of the three legs in the national security stool, along with State Department diplomacy and Defense Department military power.

“USAID changes hearts and minds; it’s a soft power that helps us gain allies,” she said. “We go to these countries and ask them to accept this aid for them, but it’s really for us.”

She said U.S. workers, for example, have largely prevented Ebola cases here despite multiple outbreaks in other parts of the world over the years.

Days ago, Ebola broke out in Uganda, “and we’re not there,” she said.

Leaving so abruptly can make the governments, public health workers and the public in those countries feel betrayed, she and others said. They could welcome adversaries such as China, which could gain a foothold in enough places and replace the United States as the biggest superpower.

That can play out in many ways, including when there is another pandemic, like COVID-19, and Americans can’t put themselves first in line for supplies and therapies.

“What happens when China moves into the top spot and bosses us around?” Bear said.

The moves to gut USAID was called “puzzling” by Maryland Rep. Kweisi Mfume, adding the approach to governing had “seemingly no regard for deliberate or thought-out reform.”

It was called “illegal” by Sen. Chris Van Hollen after he and other Maryland Democratic lawmakers, including Reps. Jamie Raskin and Johnny Olszewski Jr., were denied entry into USAID’s headquarters in Washington.

Lawmakers say funding is a constitutionally designated duty of Congress and there already are several lawsuits to stop the dismantling of federal agencies.

The blunt cuts also extend to other organizations in Baltimore, including academic institutions that rely on billions in funding from the National Institutes of Health for biomedical research and humanitarian nonprofits that focus on aiding refugees and those seeking asylum.

U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Rep. Gerry Connolly (R.-Va.), joined by fellow lawmakers and employees and supporters of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), hold a press conference outside USAID headquarters on Monday in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Baltimore is home to several organizations that assist refugees and asylum seekers, and officials also fear massive cuts, further threatening jobs, the area economy, and risking harms to international relationships.

One of those organizations, Global Refuge, a nonprofit formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services that helps immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, defended its work after Trump’s former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn called it a “money laundering operation.”

A reply from Elon Musk said DOGE was “shutting down these illegal payments.”

Global Refuge condemned the “false accusations lodged against our humanitarian work.”

The team at Global Refuge participates in a training at the office last month. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)

Executive orders and memos issued by the Trump administration have canceled travel for thousands of approved refugees and ordered resettlement agencies receiving federal funds to stop providing services to refugees already here.

There is a lot of anxiety about what is coming, said Tim Young, spokesman for Global Refuge.

“It’s good to know that we are not alone in this,” he said.

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Elon Musk and General Mike Flynn have made accusations regarding federal funding to Lutheran organizations, particularly targeting Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, claiming it involves "illegal payments." However, these organizations have defended their work, stating they operate under legitimate government contracts to assist refugees and immigrants.

reporter.lcms.org esonline.news

Overview of the Controversy

Elon Musk and General Mike Flynn have recently made claims about federal funding to Lutheran organizations, particularly focusing on Global Refuge, which was formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. They allege that these funds represent "illegal payments" and have accused these organizations of misconduct.

Key Accusations

Defense from Lutheran Organizations

In response to these accusations, leaders from Lutheran organizations have strongly defended their operations. They emphasize that:

• Legitimacy of Funding: The funding received is based on long-standing government contracts aimed at assisting refugees and immigrants.
• Commitment to Service: Global Refuge has been providing humanitarian aid for over 85 years, helping vulnerable populations, including Afghan allies and unaccompanied children.
• Transparency: The operations of these organizations are described as transparent and efficient, fulfilling essential social service roles that benefit the community.

Statements from Leaders

• Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America stated that the accusations are based on misinformation and reaffirmed the commitment of Lutheran organizations to their humanitarian mission.
• Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, CEO of Global Refuge, condemned the false accusations and highlighted the extensive vetting process for refugees and immigrants they assist.

Conclusion

The claims made by Musk and Flynn have been met with strong rebuttals from Lutheran organizations, which maintain that their work is both legal and vital for supporting refugees and immigrants in the U.S.

esonline.news reporter.lcms.org

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Lutheran Organizations Face Baseless Accusations of Financial Misconduct Fueled by Social Media Misinformation

CHICAGO – A wave of false accusations targeting Lutheran organizations swept across social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on February 1, 2025, falsely alleging financial impropriety and misuse of federal funds. The misinformation campaign, initiated by an account purporting to be General Michael Flynn, specifically implicated prominent Lutheran social service organizations, including Global Refuge (formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service – LIRS) and Lutheran Services in America (LSA), claiming they received excessive government funding without proper accountability.

This narrative gained dangerous traction when it was amplified by X owner Elon Musk, who linked the false claims to a purported investigation by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an organization presented as a newly established entity under the Trump administration, tasked with halting “illegal payments.” This claim, along with the existence of the DOGE itself, lacked any verifiable basis.

The allegations ignited immediate concern and outrage within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the broader faith community. For 85 years, Lutheran social service organizations have served as beacons of hope and compassion, providing vital support to refugees, immigrants, and vulnerable populations across the United States. Their work, funded in part through government grants, embodies a deep-rooted commitment to serving those in need and upholding Christian values of charity and justice. These grants are used to provide essential services to legally admitted refugees and other vulnerable individuals, continuing a long and respected legacy of service. The accusations, therefore, not only threatened the reputation of these organizations but also undermined the critical support they offer to marginalized communities.

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton swiftly responded to the spreading misinformation, releasing a video message unequivocally denouncing the false claims and reaffirming the ELCA’s unwavering commitment to truth and service. “Despite misinformation and baseless doubt cast today on funding that supports Lutheran organizations across our country, the ELCA remains steadfast in our commitment and work with our many Lutheran partners and expressions of our church,” Bishop Eaton asserted. Her message underscored the church’s resolute stance against the rising tide of disinformation and its dedication to serving vulnerable populations, regardless of external attacks or unfounded accusations.

Bishop Eaton’s message echoed a broader call for truth and accountability issued by the ELCA Conference of Bishops in October 2024. The bishops, witnessing the increasing normalization of lies and deceit in public discourse, released a statement condemning such practices and urging political leaders to wield their influence responsibly. The February 1st incident served as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of unchecked misinformation and reinforced the urgency of the bishops’ plea for ethical communication and responsible leadership.

The ELCA’s firm commitment to truth resonates deeply with its core values and its dedication to upholding the Eighth Commandment: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." This commandment underscores the crucial importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life, including public discourse and the dissemination of information.

The incident involving the Lutheran organizations highlights a broader societal challenge: the rapid spread and amplification of misinformation on social media platforms. The power of influential figures to shape public opinion and the ease with which false narratives can gain traction online underscore the critical need for media literacy and critical thinking. The incident also reveals the vulnerability of well-established institutions and their reputations to coordinated disinformation campaigns. The ELCA’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for other organizations and underscores the importance of proactive communication and robust strategies to counter misinformation and protect their work.

The ELCA’s response to these baseless accusations serves as a testament to its unwavering commitment to its core values of service, truth, and justice. Rooted in a 2,000-year tradition of caring for the vulnerable and advocating for the marginalized, the church remains steadfast in its mission. In the face of misinformation, the ELCA reaffirmed its commitment to feed the hungry, care for the sick, and advocate for justice and dignity for all.

The incident served to strengthen the resolve of the ELCA and its partner organizations to continue their essential work, undeterred by false accusations and committed to serving their neighbors in need. The ELCA remains committed to working alongside its Lutheran partners to ensure the continuation of vital services for the most vulnerable members of society, upholding its legacy of compassion and justice. The church’s enduring commitment to truth and service offers a powerful counter-narrative in a world grappling with the pervasive challenges of misinformation.

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Global Refuge condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the false accusations lodged against our humanitarian work. As a faith-based nonprofit, we have faithfully walked alongside legally admitted refugees and immigrants for more than 85 years. This includes Afghan Allies who risked their lives to protect U.S. troops, as well as persecuted Christians, all of whom have been extensively vetted and approved by multiple U.S. government agencies before traveling to our country.

We also remain committed to caring for unaccompanied children forced to flee unimaginable circumstances in their home countries to seek safety in the United States. Across Democratic and Republican administrations, we have partnered with the U.S. government to protect vulnerable children, safeguard them against human trafficking, and safely reunify them with their parent(s) or guardian.

Rooted in our proud Lutheran heritage, Global Refuge and our dedicated network of providers stand ready to assist the new administration in welcoming families who need to resettle in our country, helping ensure they learn our language, secure jobs that help our economy grow, and quickly become vital contributors to communities. To do otherwise would run contrary to the spirit of our Christian faith, America’s identity as a nation of immigrants, and our role as a global humanitarian leader.

“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

(Matthew 25:40)

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Benton County WA Democrats

February 8, 2025 ·

What it’s like when the Trump outrage machine comes for a NW mainstay

By Danny Westneat , Seattle Times columnist

Last Sunday, the head of the Lutheran social services outfit in the Northwest woke to find his phone had been blowing up.

“I had texts and calls that had come in overnight from people all over the country, some of them extremely alarmed,” says David Duea, CEO of Lutheran Community Services Northwest in Tacoma.

“We Lutherans,” he joked, “are normally a reserved and quiet group.”

What happened was that at 3:14 a.m. East Coast time, the multibillionaire Elon Musk sent a tweet that implied the Lutherans were involved in criminal activities.

Michael Flynn, once President Donald Trump’s national security adviser before getting fired, had been compiling lists of federal grants that he considered to be “VERY ROTTEN.” In one, Flynn listed some grants awarded to about 15 Lutheran nonprofits, including Duea’s group, describing it as akin to a “money-laundering operation.”

Musk responded approvingly: “The @DOGE team is rapidly shutting down these illegal payments.”

DOGE stands for Department of Government Efficiency, the new outfit Trump created for Musk to comb through the federal budget and try to cut spending.

Let me interrupt this column to provide a few tedious reality statements, of the sort that have become required in the slanderous Trump era.

No, the Lutherans are not a money-laundering operation. They use donations and local, state and federal grants to help the poor, which they’ve been doing in the Northwest for 104 years.

No, the payments are not illegal. They’re typical grants, authorized by Congress and administered by the Health and Human Services agency. The Lutherans competed for them with a host of other nonprofit groups.

OK. Back to the story.

Duea jumped out of bed and said his first reaction was that it was a scam. The internet is filled with fakes, and this was surely another one.

“To see money-laundering and such crazy statements, I just thought, ‘No way can this be real,’ ” he told me.

It was, though. If Musk’s tweets are to be taken seriously, which at this point they must be, it meant the Trump administration was coming after the Lutherans.

“The richest man in the world, on behalf of the president of the United States, is targeting us in the middle of the night with completely unfounded allegations,” Duea said. “How are you supposed to respond to that?”

He had an emergency call with other Lutheran agency heads around the country. They decided not to get baited by “shock and awe” and to first turn inward by reassuring their own staff and clients.

In Washington, Idaho and Oregon, the Lutherans’ top line of work is family support and mental health counseling, with food and clothing giveaways, senior help, homeless shelters and so on. They also help refugees who have been brought here legally through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, matching them with host families and providing other support.

Some of their clients were scared and on heightened alert even before the Lutherans got smeared by Flynn and Musk.

“We spent the first 48 hours just trying to make people feel safe,” Duea said.

Musk, though, has 216 million followers on X. His tweet impugning the Lutherans was viewed more than 20 million times.

It was hard to ignore the 10,000-strong comment mob.

“The corruption runs deep,” said one. “Keep up the good work, Elon, the barn has not been cleaned out for way too long.”

“So,” asked another, “the ‘Lutheran’ faith is now a new branch of the ‘Get Rich Quick’ scheme?”

“If it’s illegal, why aren’t people being arrested,” urged another.

We’re less than three weeks into the new Trump administration and we’re talking about arresting … the Lutherans?

Duea said the vetting of any grant is fair game. But he’s gobsmacked they would portray century-old poverty-aid groups as criminal.

I can fill in some possible blanks on that one. One, the Lutherans work with refugees, which makes them suspect to Christian nationalists such as Flynn. There’s a nativist backdrop to this.

Two, Trump and Musk seem to want to erode trust in government regardless of whether the criticisms are true. So what if the lies get debunked? They serve a larger propaganda purpose of casting aspersions on the entire enterprise.

An example was the one last year about Haitian migrants eating pets in Ohio. That was arguably the most vigorously debunked lie in American campaign history. Yet polls showed nearly 40% of adults still ended up believing it. That’s around 100 million people.

“It’s just a couple of tweets, but the damage this kind of stuff can do is extraordinary,” Duea says. “We’re Lutherans, so we don’t want to get involved in fights. But we had all these people speaking out about us, so we felt we had to make some kind of statement.”

He crafted five paragraphs calling what happened “a reckless misrepresentation of organizations dedicated to serving the most vulnerable in our communities.”

“No amount of misinformation will deter us from our mission,” he vowed.

It was “probably the most popular thing we’ve ever posted on social media,” he said. Unfortunately, it had about one-half of 1% of the viral reach of Musk’s post. You can’t match the MAGA megaphone.

The Lutheran group had already had its refugee assistance funding frozen by a Trump executive order Jan. 21. So far, despite Musk’s claims, it has yet to lose other grants, Duea said. It doesn’t seem legal anyway to just start axing previously approved grants. But who knows if that matters anymore?

“So many of these things are so wildly illegal that I think they’re playing a quantity game and assuming the system can’t react to all this illegality at once,” David Super, an administrative law professor at Georgetown Law School, told The Washington Post.

Duea noted that by the time I interviewed him, the outrage machine had moved on — to Canada, then to international aid groups and then to the U.S. “owning” Gaza. All in two days.

“We’ll be invading Greenland any day now, and nobody will remember they were ever worrying about the Lutherans,” he said.

More seriously, it’s likely to be a dizzying blizzard just like this these next weeks, with one target or scapegoat after another, each provocation pointlessly chewing up resources, time and attention. If they can go after the Lutherans, they can go after anyone.

Duea said the most important thing is to not yield to it. To not get so cynical that you don’t believe in anything.

“Because truth and love always wins,” he said.

Agree on the love part. But truth, I don’t know. It’s in the fight of its life.

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