State Department Defends Giving the Taliban Taxpayer-Funded Money
A recent report has revealed shocking information indicating that the U.S. State Department found it acceptable to channel taxpayer money to the Taliban despite the group being a designated terrorist organization. This deeply troubling decision raises serious questions about former President Joe Biden’s approach to foreign policy, particularly following the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Some argue that this move not only undermines national security but also disrespects the sacrifices made by U.S. service members, all while empowering a regime that oppresses its people and destabilizes the region.
State’s implementing partners made payments to the Taliban. One State office reported that between September 2021 and December 2024 its implementing partners paid $1.8 million to the Taliban for a variety of expenses, including taxes on local staff salary and vehicle registration fees. State requires implementing partners to report the payments.11 The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control authorizes these transaction through general licenses.
