Based on recent reports, The Washington Post—along with other major media outlets like The New York Times and The Associated Press—has received payments from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), but these were for subscription fees for government offices and agencies, not direct grants or "funding" for journalism.
Here are the key details regarding this issue:
- Nature of Payments: The funds in question are for professional subscriptions allowing federal employees to access the newspaper, which is a common practice across both Democratic and Republican administrations.
- Context of Claims: These payments were highlighted in early 2025 as part of a political controversy, with some alleging that such payments constituted a "payoff" or "subsidy" for media outlets, which news organizations and defenders of government procurement practices have contested.
- Comparison to Other Outlets: Records showed that while other outlets like Politico received thousands in subscriptions from USAID, the Washington Post was also listed among the media organizations receiving subscription payments, rather than direct funding.
In summary, the Washington Post has received money from USAID for subscription services, but not as grants or direct funding for reporting.
