Musk, Trump Jr. Share Russian Disinformation on USAID Celebrity Claims

A video shared by Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr. falsely claims that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funded celebrity visits to Ukraine, a narrative traced back to the Kremlin's Matryoshka disinformation network. The video, which features fabricated claims and figures regarding payments to stars like Ben Stiller and Angelina Jolie, has been widely debunked by sources like E! News and the Center for Countering Disinformation. Stiller himself refuted the claims, stating that he self-funded his humanitarian trip. Musk's post, which received significant engagement before being deleted, has drawn criticism for perpetuating Russian propaganda while he has voiced opposition to USAID's funding practices. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding U.S. foreign aid and the spread of disinformation in digital media. Experts have noted that this incident is part of a broader campaign aimed at discrediting USAID and its initiatives in Ukraine.