A social media firestorm erupted after conservative influencer Gunther Eagleman claimed on Twitter that “USAID funds terrorism,” a controversial statement made in response to a Fox News report about a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado. Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and owner of X (formerly Twitter), amplified the statement by replying with a simple “yes.”
The incident in Boulder involved a suspect who attacked a gathering of Zionists, setting eight individuals on fire using a makeshift flamethrower. Federal authorities charged the suspect with hate crimes, revealing that he carried 14 unlit Molotov cocktails and had allegedly learned how to create them via YouTube. The suspect reportedly admitted during questioning that he intended to “kill all Zionist people” and expressed no remorse for his actions.
The USAID Controversy
The connection to USAID arose when federal investigators reportedly found USAID paperwork in the suspect’s vehicle. Although the significance of the paperwork remains unclear, it was enough to ignite accusations online about the potential misuse of taxpayer funds.
Gunther Eagleman seized on this detail, posting, “USAID funds terrorism.” The tweet quickly gained traction, with Musk’s agreement elevating the post to millions of followers and sparking widespread debate.
Public Reactions and Backlash
Critics of USAID have used the discovery to question the agency’s funding oversight and potential links to extremist activities. However, many dismissed the claim as speculative, pointing out that no direct evidence has been presented connecting USAID to the Boulder attack.
Others have criticized Musk for lending credibility to unverified claims. “Elon Musk agreeing with baseless accusations without evidence is reckless,” one commenter posted. “This is a serious matter, and these statements only fuel misinformation.”
Supporters of the post argue that the USAID connection should not be ignored. “If there’s even a chance that federal dollars are indirectly funding terrorism, it deserves a full investigation,” one user wrote.
Political Fallout
The controversy comes amid increasing scrutiny of USAID and other federal programs, particularly in conservative circles. Critics argue that foreign aid is often misused, citing this incident as a possible example of how funds could end up in the wrong hands.
The Boulder attack has also reignited debates about anti-Semitism, extremism, and the role of social media in shaping public perception of such events. Musk’s agreement with Eagleman’s claim adds another layer of complexity, as his influence on the X platform continues to drive discourse on politically charged issues.
What’s Next?
Federal officials have not commented on the USAID paperwork found in the suspect’s car, and no evidence has been presented linking the agency to the attack. However, calls for an investigation into USAID’s funding practices are growing louder.
As the legal proceedings for the Boulder attacker unfold, the implications of this incident — from security concerns to funding oversight — are likely to remain a focal point in national discussions. Meanwhile, the power of social media to amplify claims, whether verified or not, continues to shape the narrative in unprecedented ways.