# USAID Funding to NGOs Considered ‘Oppositional’ by AMLO is ‘Essential for Democracy,’ US Responds
On August 14, 2024, Jene Thomas, director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Mexico, addressed criticism from Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) regarding US funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that López Obrador has labeled as “oppositional,” including Mexicanos Contra la Corrupción y la Impunidad (MCCI).
Thomas asserted that USAID’s investment in these projects is crucial for democracy, as it facilitates ideas and policies that create significant societal change. His statements were made during the conclusion of the “Awareness and Opportunities for Women Deprived of Liberty” program at the Museum of Memory and Tolerance.
Thomas emphasized that USAID’s mission includes supporting civil society by ensuring that their projects are not only technically successful but also serve as models for other civil entities. He highlighted that USAID’s work in countries like Mexico, and globally, is vital for democracy. He further explained the importance of transparency and proper management of resources, which are held to international standards.
On the same day, López Obrador announced his intention to send a letter to US President Joseph Biden regarding the funding. López Obrador argued that such financial support constitutes interference in Mexico’s sovereignty and indicated plans to initiate legal reforms to prevent funds from being used against the interests of Mexicans.
Pablo Gómez Álvarez from Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit disclosed that, during López Obrador’s term, MCCI received significant funding from the US government, as well as from private sources within Mexico. López Obrador plans to instruct Mexican fiscal authorities to investigate these donations to ensure compliance with tax laws.
López Obrador criticized the funding by equating it to hypothetical interference by the Central Intelligence Agency acting as an opposition political entity in Mexico. He expressed his concerns by showcasing photographs of MCCI founder Claudio X. González in meetings with leaders of opposition parties. López Obrador is set to present these photos to Biden alongside his letter.
## US Government’s Firm Stance on NGO Funding in Mexico
On May 4, 2023, a USAID spokesperson responded to López Obrador’s previous accusations regarding funding to NGOs like Mexicanos Contra la Corrupción y la Impunidad (MCCI), México Evalúa, and Article 19. The spokesperson reiterated USAID’s commitment to working with various Mexican partners, emphasizing their support for inclusive and sustainable development.
This response follows López Obrador’s announcement on May 2, 2023, that he sent a letter to President Biden, deeming the funding an act of interventionist overreach. López Obrador discussed his concerns with Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, US Presidential National Security Advisor, and considered the funding offensive.
Kamala Harris, US Vice President, had previously indicated her support for free operation of NGOs and media within their respective countries. Despite disagreements, Harris emphasized the importance of independent media and judicial systems.
Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard has drawn parallels between US funding of Mexican NGOs and hypothetical Mexican funding of US organizations aimed at undermining President Biden’s administration, further complicating diplomatic discussions. Nevertheless, the Biden administration has reaffirmed its anti-corruption stance, indicating that combating corruption worldwide remains a priority.
## Secondary Report: Updates on International Funding Practices and Political Impacts
As the debate continues, the US has solidified its position on international NGO funding. On June 3, 2021, President Biden reinforced the US commitment to funding global efforts against corruption, including supporting journalists and civil society organizations. This stance aligns with the National Security Study Memorandum that names corruption as a national security threat to the US, advocating for heightened global financial transparency and accountability.
Simultaneously, López Obrador’s administration criticized such foreign funding while underscoring the potential for these funds to drive political destabilization. The President has framed the funding as external interference and called for clarity and accountability from the US on the allocation and use of these resources.
The persistent contention over NGO funding illustrates broader geopolitical tensions and varying interpretations of sovereignty and interventionism. Biden’s emphasis on anti-corruption measures is matched by López Obrador’s calls for the protection of national interests and transparency in fiscal practices, spotlighting a significant diplomatic and ideological rift.
TJGringo.com will continue to monitor and report on developments in this critical issue impacting US-Mexico relations and the broader discourse on international support for civil society initiatives.