United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has always been linked to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Caracas, February 12 (RHC)-- A recent document revealed by Wikileaks exposed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been supporting independent media outlets since the 1980s, under the pretext of promoting democracy and governance.
In the recent report entitled “Press Freedom Under Threat” (2023), several Venezuelan journalists are mentioned, including Luz Mely Reyes, director of the Venezuelan media outlet Efecto Cocuyo; Carla Angola and Carlos Méndez of EVTV in Miami; Miguel Ángel Rodríguez and César Batiz of El Pitazo; and Fabiola Colmenares, who leads the VPI platform.
This group of communicators aimed to sow negative narratives against the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, receiving funding to promote these narratives and aligning themselves with the interests of US foreign policy.
This context highlights the impact that external funding can have on the press and the formation of public opinion in Venezuela. Support has made the United States the largest public donor to the development of independent media in the world.
According to a USAID fact sheet, which is no longer available, in 2023, 6,200 journalists were trained, 707 non-state media were assisted, and 279 civil society organizations related to independent media were supported.
Meanwhile, in Venezuela, such media outlets as Tal Cual, El Pitazo, and Efecto Cocuyo have been accused of receiving USAID funding. In the 2025 foreign aid budget, $268 million was allocated to promote “independent media and the free flow of information.”
Behind the facade of promoting “press freedom,” USAID has invested billions in organizations and media that often propagate narratives favorable to the United States.
The text states that media considered “independent” are presented as essential for democracy, although now a more complex strategy of interference in the global media landscape has been revealed.
In the case of Ukraine, USAID has been the main funder of media outlets, where 90% depend on external subsidies. In addition, it is mentioned that the United States has allocated around 26 million dollars to programs that strengthen media outlets and freedom of expression in Latin American countries, such as Venezuela and Ecuador, and in the last decade that figure has risen to 67 million.
In Venezuela, since the arrival of the Bolivarian Revolution, foreign funding for media campaigns against the government has been denounced. On this day, the Venezuelan National Assembly debated and rejected USAID funding for the far right, as the purpose is to destabilize and promote war in the country.
In recent days, in a television program, President Nicolás Maduro denounced media such as Tal Cual and El Pitazo for receiving support from USAID, alleging that they have created “parallel realities.”
Maduro pointed out that, for example, during a national blackout and after electoral demonstrations, these media carried out acts of “manipulation.” The information exposed suggests that a portion of the USAID funding destined for Juan Guaidó's interim government went to these media.
