Shawn Ryan Show Episode #170: Mike Benz - USAID Funding CIA-Backed Mercenaries, Media Superweapons, and Samantha Powers

Release Date: February 12, 2025

In Episode #170 of the Shawn Ryan Show, host Shawn Ryan engages in a profound and critical conversation with Mike Benz, an expert delving deep into the intricate and often concealed operations of USAID, its connections with CIA-backed mercenaries, media manipulation tactics, and the controversial role of Samantha Powers. This comprehensive discussion sheds light on the complex web of foreign policy, covert operations, and media influence that shapes both international and domestic landscapes.

1. The Rapid Unfolding of USAID Scandals

Timestamp: 00:42 - 02:35

The episode kicks off with Shawn Ryan and Mike Benz catching up, quickly transitioning into the heart of the discussion: the swift exposure of corruption within USAID. Mike Benz expresses surprise at the "lightning speed" at which these revelations have emerged, highlighting the intensified scrutiny and audits initiated by figures like Elon Musk's DOGE. He remarks:

"I didn't expect the speed of this. I think once they fixated on USAID... it's now challenging the entire foreign policy establishment."
[01:15] Mike Benz

Mike Benz emphasizes how USAID's financial outlays are now under the microscope, posing a fundamental threat to the operations of the State Department, intelligence services, and the defense establishment. He contends that this scrutiny validates long-held suspicions about the weaponization of domestic and international agencies against American interests.

2. USAID's Role in Domestic and International Policy Manipulation

Timestamp: 02:35 - 07:43

Delving deeper, Benz discusses USAID's extensive influence, asserting that the organization's actions are a continuation of decades-old tactics aimed at manipulating both foreign and domestic policies. He states:

"USAID is about humanitarian assistance and building to the American people as a kind of international charity. Why are they working with the U.S. Defense Department? Why are they working with Special Forces?"
[04:55] Mike Benz

Benz argues that USAID's collaboration with military and intelligence agencies indicates a blurred line between humanitarian aid and covert operations. He highlights past scandals, such as the Zanzanillo operation in Cuba (2014), where USAID's internal documents revealed unauthorized activities that bypassed traditional oversight mechanisms.

3. The Intersection of USAID with Political Movements and Media Manipulation

Timestamp: 07:43 - 33:12

Shawn Ryan introduces a question from a Patreon supporter, Jimmy W., about the potential for Republicans and Democrats to create new slush funds in the wake of USAID's troubles. Benz responds by outlining the vast budget disparities between USAID and the Pentagon, emphasizing that USAID's $44 billion budget pales in comparison to the Pentagon's $900 billion.

Benz further critiques the intertwining of USAID with organizations like DOGE and the media, suggesting that the establishment is attempting to suppress USAID's internal records to maintain control over their covert operations. He cites the example of Senator Joni Ernst's failed attempts to audit USAID, only to be met with threats highlighting the severity of the agency's actions.

"We're opening up a Pandora's box and that's the threshold question is how much access to this is Doge ultimately going to get?"
[04:55] Mike Benz

4. USAID's Global Influence and the Suppression of Populist Movements

Timestamp: 33:12 - 74:56

The conversation shifts to USAID's global footprint, with Benz asserting that the agency's influence spans over 100 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. He discusses how USAID funds various NGOs and media organizations to manipulate political outcomes, often targeting populist leaders who threaten established foreign policy objectives.

Benz recounts the case of Colleen Georgescu in Romania, whose presidential campaign against Russian interference was allegedly funded by USAID to undermine her neutrality and favor NATO interests. He draws parallels to historical interventions, such as the CIA's involvement in Pakistan's political landscape and the attempted ousting of Imran Khan.

"USAID funds mercenary media for the state, paid-for deputies. These are effectively hitmen hired to seize the assets of, to get fired from their jobs and to arrest criminally take use the criminal justice system, create a pipeline between their sponsored journalists and the local prosecutors in order to arrest the political enemies of the U.S. government in these target countries."
[25:58] Mike Benz

Benz also highlights USAID's role in shaping election management bodies (EMBs) globally, aiming to criminalize populist speech and influence election outcomes to favor pro-Western candidates. He underscores the agency's capacity to bypass traditional oversight, enabling covert actions under the guise of humanitarian aid and judicial reform.

5. The USAID Truman Show: Manipulating Media and Public Perception

Timestamp: 74:56 - 155:42

Mike Benz introduces the concept of the "USAID Truman Show," a metaphor for the agency's pervasive influence over global media and information ecosystems. He argues that USAID funds and controls media outlets and fact-checking organizations to shape narratives that align with U.S. foreign policy objectives.

Benz critiques entities like the Atlantic Council and OCCRP (Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project), asserting that their partnerships with USAID result in biased reporting and investigative journalism aimed at destabilizing political figures unfavorable to U.S. interests. He points out that mainstream media's credibility is undermined by these covert funding streams, leading to a manipulated public perception both domestically and internationally.

"It's the USA Truman show in terms of what us as civilians think are organic institutions but are in fact USAID proxies."
[34:59] Mike Benz

Furthermore, Benz discusses how USAID's funding mechanisms target educational institutions and NGOs, using them as fronts for political warfare and information control. He provides examples of how universities like Harvard have been involved in USAID's covert operations, blurring the lines between academic freedom and state-directed agendas.

6. Samantha Powers and the Financial Implications of USAID Leadership

Timestamp: 155:27 - 160:34

Towards the episode's conclusion, Benz addresses the financial controversies surrounding Samantha Powers, former chief of USAID. He highlights reports indicating a significant increase in her net worth during her tenure, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and the misuse of USAID funds. While acknowledging the need for further verification, Benz suggests that such wealth accumulation may be linked to insider knowledge and favorable investment opportunities arising from covert operations.

"Samantha Power made $180,000 a year as Joe Biden's appointee. In those three years, her wealth jumped from 6.7 million to a whopping $30 million."
[120:35] Sean Ryan

Benz underscores the lack of transparency and accountability within USAID, emphasizing the necessity for stringent oversight and reforms to prevent further corruption and misuse of funds.

7. Recommendations and the Path Forward

Timestamp: 160:27 - End

In the closing segment, Mike Benz advocates for the complete abolition of USAID as a symbolic and practical measure to halt its covert operations. He argues that dismantling USAID would send a strong message against the misuse of humanitarian aid for political manipulation and covert actions.

Benz calls for comprehensive reforms, including:

• Implementation of Smith-Mundt Protections: To safeguard against foreign propaganda infiltration.
• Establishment of Clear Oversight Mechanisms: Allowing citizens to hold grantees and USAID accountable through legal means.
• Separation of Humanitarian Aid and Political Influence: Ensuring that aid is solely used for its intended purposes without ulterior political motives.

He emphasizes the critical need for public awareness and legislative action to address the deep-rooted issues within USAID, aiming to restore transparency and integrity in U.S. foreign policy operations.

"I support the White House's current reforms. I do believe fundamentally, and if nothing else, symbolically, the complete and total abolition of USAID alone sends a chilling message to not do this kind of dirty work in the future."
[155:42] Mike Benz

Shawn Ryan wraps up the episode by thanking Mike Benz for his insightful analysis and urging listeners to stay informed and engaged in the pursuit of accountability and transparency in government agencies.

Conclusion

Episode #170 of the Shawn Ryan Show offers a compelling and meticulously detailed examination of USAID's covert operations, its entanglements with intelligence agencies, and the broader implications for U.S. foreign and domestic policies. Mike Benz's revelations underscore the urgent need for reforms to prevent the abuse of humanitarian aid for political and covert agendas, advocating for greater transparency and accountability to safeguard democratic principles and national interests.