At a February 26 hearing of the House Oversight Committee’s DOGE subcommittee, Subcommittee Chair Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA-14) made false claims regarding the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). She alleged that “USAID covertly funded opposition groups, mercenaries, and anti-government networks under the cover of humanitarian aid, and that this included support for militant factions and propaganda efforts often in collaboration with the National Endowment for Democracy,” and that “the operation culminated in Assad’s overthrow in 2024.”
NED categorically and unequivocally rejects these assertions. For two decades, NED has supported transparent, rights-respecting, democratic initiatives that amplify the voices of Syrians advocating for basic freedoms and human rights.
These assertions directly contradict our organizational mandate and operational reality in the following ways:
- NED does not support groups engaged in violence, extremism, or militant activity. Our rigorous vetting process screens all potential grantees to ensure they uphold democratic values and do not advocate or engage in violence. As NED’s grant agreements stipulate, “No Grant funds shall be used for the purpose of supporting or advocating physical violence by individuals, groups, or governments.” All grantees undergo strict federal screening, including checks against OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons Lists, the Excluded Parties List, and the Terrorist Exclusion List, ensuring full compliance with U.S. laws prohibiting support for armed groups or those advocating violence
- Our work is about strengthening democratic institutions and processes, not regime change. NED’s mission is to support local actors in fostering democratic norms and institutions. We support organizations that document human rights violations, promote democratic norms, and foster pluralistic public discourse. We support local actors in the peaceful pursuit of their democratic goals
- NED and USAID do not co-fund any programs in Syria. NED’s funding is distinct and independent, ensuring that our work remains focused on civil society development, not government-led initiatives.
We welcome the opportunity to meet with or testify before the DOGE subcommittee to answer any questions about NED’s support for freedom and democracy, in Syria and around the world, and how it makes America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. NED is proud of our grantmaking to support freedom in Syria, a nation devastated by authoritarian rule and terrorism, which have displaced 14 million people, harbored extremist groups, and fueled insecurity that threatens American interests in the region.
Media inquiries can be sent to Press Secretary Carolyn Stewart, press@ned.org.
