Stephen Miller Defends Trump's Bold Move to Purge USAID Funding

Stephen Miller Addresses USAID Purge on The Ingraham Angle

On February 4, 2025, Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller appeared on 'The Ingraham Angle' to discuss President Donald J. Trump's decisive action to purge funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Miller passionately defended the move, arguing that it aligns with the administration's commitment to prioritizing American interests and ensuring taxpayer money is not misused. His appearance on the show provided a clear rationale for the policy, emphasizing the need to hold federal agencies accountable to the will of the American people.

Miller's central point was that USAID has been operating with insufficient oversight, funneling funds to initiatives that do not serve the best interests of the United States. He described the agency as a source of unchecked power for unelected bureaucrats, a theme that resonated throughout the segment. This purge, according to Miller, is a necessary step to realign the agency with the constitutional authority of elected officials.

Criticism of USAID's Past Practices

During the discussion, around the 2:30 mark, Miller sharply criticized USAID for what he called funding 'an army of left-wing activists.' He argued that the agency has been a slush fund for organizations that, in his view, oppose American values and harm national interests. 'President Trump is cutting off the slush fund to the organizations that hate and hurt America,' Miller stated, underscoring the administration's intent to redirect resources toward policies that benefit American citizens first.

This critique highlights a broader concern within the administration about the misuse of taxpayer dollars. Miller stressed that the lack of accountability within USAID has allowed for funds to be directed to causes that do not reflect the priorities of the American electorate. By taking action, President Trump is fulfilling his duty to ensure that government agencies operate transparently and in service of the nation.

Rebuttal to Allegations of Overreach

At approximately the 4:15 point in the video, Miller directly addressed accusations that President Trump's actions constitute dictatorial overreach. He firmly rejected such claims, asserting that the President is 'executing his duty' as the leader of the executive branch. 'The President has apex authority to ensure that agencies like USAID are aligned with the democratic will of the people,' Miller explained, framing the purge as a restoration of proper governance rather than an abuse of power.

This defense reflects the administration's broader stance on executive authority, emphasizing that such actions are within the President's constitutional rights. Miller's comments aimed to reassure viewers that the purge is not about consolidating power but about correcting long-standing inefficiencies and misallocations within federal agencies.

Focus on American Taxpayers

Throughout the segment, particularly near the 6:00 mark, Miller reiterated that the ultimate goal of the USAID purge is to put American taxpayers first. He argued that for too long, agencies like USAID have prioritized international interests over domestic needs, a practice that the Trump administration seeks to reverse. 'There is no entity in the government with more unaccountable, unelected bureaucrats and less oversight than USAID,' Miller noted, highlighting the urgency of reform.

This focus on American taxpayers aligns with President Trump's longstanding promise to ensure that government resources are used to benefit the nation’s citizens above all else. Miller's remarks underscored the administration's belief that federal agencies must be held to a higher standard of accountability, especially when it comes to how taxpayer money is spent.

Support for President Trump's Vision

Miller's appearance on 'The Ingraham Angle' served as a powerful endorsement of President Trump's vision for reforming federal agencies. By targeting USAID, the administration is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate waste or misalignment of priorities within government operations. Miller's defense of the purge as a necessary and lawful action reflects the administration's commitment to upholding the interests of the American people.

As this policy unfolds, it is evident that the Trump administration remains focused on ensuring that every dollar spent by the federal government serves a purpose that benefits the nation. Miller's statements provide a window into the reasoning behind the USAID purge, framing it as a critical step toward restoring trust in how public funds are managed. This move is likely to resonate with those who have long called for greater transparency and accountability in government spending.