In the wake of sweeping US foreign-aid reductions, some of the world’s least-developed countries have turned to lobbyists with ties to Donald Trump. Countries such as Somalia, Yemen, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have signed contracts worth millions of dollars—some reaching into the tens of millions—to sway decision-makers in Washington.
These agreements often involve trading access to critical natural resources instead of traditional aid. The DRC, for example, stands poised to offer American corporations rights to lithium, cobalt, and coltan in exchange for political and military backing.
Reached out to firms like Ballard Partners, owned by Trump-era advisor Brian Ballard, governments such as the DRC have spent roughly $1.2 million to secure their leverage. Similarly, Somalia and Yemen have paid BGR Government Affairs over $500,000 and $370,000, respectively, to position their interests with US leaders.
Critics, like Emily Stewart from Global Witness, warn that with less humanitarian funding up for grabs, countries may now be pushed into more uneven terms—especially when bargaining precious minerals.
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