By Trendsetter Tribune 
U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) has launched a formal inquiry into reports that White House Budget Director Russell Vought is utilizing funds originally appropriated for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to finance his personal security detail.
Allegations of Misappropriated Funds
According to reports, approximately $15 million from USAID’s operating budget—an agency currently in the process of being shuttered by the administration—has been redirected to pay for a security detail consisting of over a dozen U.S. Marshals assigned to Vought.
- Misuse of Taxpayer Dollars: Krishnamoorthi labeled the transfer a gross misuse of taxpayer funds, arguing that money intended for international humanitarian aid programs is being used for domestic protection.
- Lack of Congressional Approval: The congressman demanded to know if lawmakers were notified of this reallocation, emphasizing that redirecting these funds deviates sharply from Congress’s original intent.
- Agency Dismantling: This move follows the administration’s decision last year to disband USAID, a move that resulted in thousands of layoffs and significant disruptions to global humanitarian programs.
Demand for Accountability
In a letter sent to Vought on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Krishnamoorthi demanded a comprehensive accounting of the USAID funds being used for protection, including the projected total cost through fiscal year 2026.
“The misuse of funds is fundamentally wrong and a gross abuse of power… [It] deviates sharply from Congress’s intent and undermines the agency’s core purpose.” — Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi
The Office of Management and Budget has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the transfer of funds.