Federal agencies have come under scrutiny for allocating over $27 million to activist groups that support legal defense efforts for leftist protesters in the U.S. The funds were awarded by the State Department and USAID to the left-wing Tides Foundation and Tides Center during multiple presidencies.
Americans are questioning the use of taxpayer money, especially after former President Donald Trump initiated a review of foreign aid projects and closed down USAID.
Parker Thayer, an investigative researcher at Capital Research Center, expressed concerns about the funding. He pointed out the potential double standard, stating, “If a conservative donor-advised fund like DonorsTrust was raking in million-dollar grants from a government department, the Left and the media would be hysterical with outrage.” Thayer emphasized that the Tides Foundation should not receive federal grants.
The funding allocations began as early as 2014 for groups associated with Tides, with objectives ranging from humanitarian activities to supporting civil society organizations. The government has disbursed 72% of the funds to these groups. The awarded grants were intended for both foreign and domestic projects, according to official records.
The Tides Foundation did not provide a response to inquiries regarding the funding. Records indicate that the State Department and USAID awarded a total of $27,724,363 in grants to Tides organizations since 2014. This figure does not include additional subgrants and subcontracts.
Defenders of USAID argue that restrictions on foreign aid could harm efforts to promote democracy globally. However, critics note that millions in aid have supported not just foreign causes but domestic political agendas. This funding has bolstered the financial resources of organizations influencing U.S. politics.
Under the Trump administration, a significant portion of the funds marked for Tides organizations was distributed. The most substantial grant supported the Tides Center through USAID’s “Civil Society Innovation Initiative” as part of the “Foreign Assistance Program.” This initiative aimed to promote economic growth and support U.S. foreign policy objectives.
Over various administrations, the State Department and USAID also funded Tides to tackle corruption, promote cultural exchange, and support civil society both domestically and internationally. An additional $4.06 million came through subgrants and subcontracts. These funds were awarded to a Catholic nonprofit and two research organizations, which then funneled the money to the Tides Center.
Among its efforts, the Tides Center and Foundation fund left-leaning groups providing legal support for individuals accused of unlawful protest activities. In some instances, these groups have aided activists under federal investigation. This means that taxpayer money indirectly supported movements challenging law enforcement.
One notable group supported by the Tides Center is Palestine Legal, which provides legal defense for anti-Israel activists. A senior attorney at Palestine Legal stated that the group “has represented or advised hundreds of students since” the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated in October 2023. The group previously attempted to sue Columbia University for suspending anti-Israel campus organizations.
Tides-funded organizations such as the National Lawyers Guild and Center for Constitutional Rights have a history of assisting anti-police protesters. The National Lawyers Guild offers legal representation and sends “legal observers” to protest sites. In 2021, the Guild reported training thousands of organizers and attorneys.
The Center for Constitutional Rights has defended Antifa-linked rioters who protested a proposed police facility in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2023. The center has been active in challenging law enforcement’s classification of activists as terrorists. Moreover, it lobbied against prosecuting Antifa agitators on domestic terrorism charges.
Tax records show that the Tides Foundation has donated over $170,000 to the Center for Constitutional Rights since 2018. The Center also received a two-year grant in 2025 for a fellowship aimed at training a “social justice” lawyer. The National Lawyers Guild has received more than $1 million from the Tides Foundation.
The Tides Foundation and Center have also contributed to the Alliance For Global Justice, which sponsored a “Legal Defense for Palestine” initiative. The Washington Examiner reported that payment processing companies ceased business with the Alliance due to its ties to Palestinian terrorists. The Alliance was also the fiscal sponsor for Samidoun, a group organizing anti-Israel protests.
Palestine Legal, the National Lawyers Guild, Alliance for Global Justice, and the Center for Constitutional Rights did not respond to requests for comment. The State Department’s press office also did not comment on whether it would continue funding the Tides network. USAID could not be reached for comment as its website is temporarily shut down.
keep up the good work. The illegals need to go
I am pretty positive that it is unconstitutional for the government to give Americans money to other countries. If the government thinks that they want to give money to other countries all they have to do is to open go fund me accounts for those cases. Then any American that would like to can donate to those accounts. And those that don’t will not have the government stealing their money to give it away to non-Americans. And when they don’t get the amount of money that they normally steal for this AID maybe they will figure it out. But I very much doubt it.
I am shocked that my federal taxes have been going to organizations that are totally committed to providing legal and other support to people who are acting contrary to our laws and values. It is sickening what Trump and his people have uncovered while digging into the expenditures of various governmental agencies.