While USAID’s funding structure is intentionally opaque, the report has identified several organizations that received substantial financial support under various pretexts.
- Ökotárs Foundation – A well-known recipient of foreign funding, this NGO has long been involved in advocacy that aligns with the interests of progressive globalist networks.
- Autonomy Foundation – Acted as a financial intermediary, redistributing USAID and EU funds to various activist groups.
- Carpathian Foundation – Served as a conduit for USAID’s political influence operations, disguising its financial ties through multiple layers of NGOs.
- Magyar Helsinki Bizottság (Hungarian Helsinki Committee) – Played a key role in international lobbying efforts against the Hungarian government, demanding Brussels take action to limit Hungary’s sovereignty.
USAID’s involvement in Hungary extends beyond NGOs—it has actively worked to influence media narratives by funding opposition-aligned news outlets. These media entities, while claiming to be independent, have in reality received millions in U.S. and EU funding to push specific political agendas.
- 444 – A news portal that has been a frequent recipient of indirect USAID funding.
- Átlátszó – An investigative journalism outlet that has positioned itself as a “watchdog,” but its financial ties to foreign governments raise questions about its true independence.
- Partizán – A media initiative aimed at influencing young voters by promoting opposition narratives.
- Telex – Presented itself as an independent news outlet, yet financial records and investigative reports reveal that it has received significant backing from foreign sources, including USAID-linked funding channels.
"The money did not go to independent journalism. It went to political activists disguised as journalists," states the report.
Supporters of USAID claim that this funding is about strengthening democracy and civil society. However, the reality is that these resources are being used to push a narrow ideological agenda that does not reflect the will of the Hungarian people.
As the report makes clear: "USAID's funding has not been neutral. It has overwhelmingly benefited organizations that oppose the elected government, influencing domestic political processes under the false pretense of development aid".
Hungary must remain vigilant against such foreign interference. Yet, Brussels and Washington continue to resist these efforts, painting Hungary as "authoritarian" simply for demanding financial transparency.
The bottom line is simple:
- If these organizations truly represent civil society, they should not need foreign money to operate.
- If these media outlets are truly independent, they should not rely on U.S. taxpayer funds to survive.
Hungary’s future must be decided by Hungarians, not by bureaucrats in Brussels or Washington.