Trump Threatens To Impose Sanctions On Countries With Trade Links With Russia
Somalia, DR Congo and Yemen among states forced to sign deals and barter their minerals for aid or military support
An investigation by Global Witness has revealed that some of the world’s poorest countries are paying millions of dollars to lobbyists with direct ties to former US President Donald Trump, in a desperate attempt to offset devastating US foreign aid cuts.
After Trump dismantled USAID, the United States’ primary agency for humanitarian assistance, countries like Somalia, Haiti, Yemen, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have signed lobbying contracts worth over $17 million with firms closely linked to his inner circle.
Natural Resources for Survival
The investigation finds that many low-income nations are bartering natural resources—especially critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and coltan—in exchange for military or humanitarian support. These countries, once major recipients of USAID, are now turning to politically connected lobbyists in Washington to maintain their survival.
DRC, once in the top 10 for US foreign aid, has signed contracts worth $1.2 million with Ballard Partners, a firm owned by Brian Ballard, a top Trump campaign donor.
The DRC is also negotiating a mineral-for-support deal with the US to help fight Rwanda-backed rebels.
Somalia signed a $550,000 deal and Yemen a $372,000 contract with BGR Government Affairs, a lobbying firm previously connected to Trump’s current transport secretary, Sean Duffy.
Pakistan, despite its high poverty levels, signed two lobbying contracts totaling $450,000 per month, linking it to several of Trump’s closest allies, including former bodyguard Keith Schiller.
Humanitarian Crisis Looms
Experts warn that the closure of USAID and the shift to private political deal-making could trigger catastrophic consequences. Over 14 million preventable deaths are expected in the next five years due to halted humanitarian operations.
“The situation has made Washington deal-making more desperate and less favorable to low-income countries,” said Emily Stewart, Head of Policy for Transition Minerals at Global Witness. “These nations are now at extreme risk of exploitation.”
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