U.S. Ends Politico Subscriptions Amid Funding Controversy

Recent claims have surfaced suggesting that Politico received substantial funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), sparking significant controversy and backlash from conservative figures. These claims allege that Politico was financially supported by taxpayer money to promote politically biased content, with accusations pointing to $34 million in contracts over a decade from various government agencies. Politico leadership has denied receiving any subsidies or government program benefits, asserting that payments were for subscriptions to its Politico Pro service. The White House has announced it will end over $8 million in federal subscriptions to Politico, citing cost-cutting measures. Despite the controversy, reports clarify that these payments were for subscriptions, not direct funding or grants, and similar payments have been made to other media outlets like The New York Times. The allegations have fueled a broader debate over government funding and media bias, with high-profile figures like Elon Musk criticizing the use of taxpayer money for such purposes.