Donald Trump (File )
The Trump government is confronted by another controversy as a highly sensitive spreadsheet that holds names of campaigners and officials dealing with US government-funded schemes has been leaked over the internet. The spreadsheet holding details on programs run in repressive governments across the globe was shared with Congress and leaked despite being requested to be held under wraps.
The leak has sparked panic among international groups and communities, with harassment of local staff and allies feared. Most people have reacted with deep shock at the presence of information regarding programs and NGOs in China, Russia, Iran, Uganda, Cuba, and elsewhere.
The leak is in the midst of controversy regarding the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) headed by Elon Musk reducing funding for hundreds of programs and shutting down USAID spending until an audit in full. The department had requested complete grantee information, raising suspicions that sensitive information will become public.
State Department officials have moved to assure allies that sensitive data would be protected in confidence. Nevertheless, the leak has already taken a toll, with numerous individuals concerned for the safety of employees working on US government-funded programs.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly addressed the leak, claiming that the documents were forwarded to Congress and not released publicly by the State Department. She requested Rolling Stone to reach out to whoever leaked it.
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