Vice President JD Vance recently criticized U.S. foreign aid programs, alleging corruption and misuse of taxpayer funds. He specifically pointed to a program promoting atheism in Nepal, questioning how such initiatives align with protecting religious freedom. This criticism comes as Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) investigates USAID for potential overspending and corruption, leading to the agency's website shutdown and staff being placed on leave.

Vance's remarks likely refer to a 2021 State Department grant of $500,000 aimed at promoting religious freedom, which included support for atheists and non-religious individuals. Republican lawmakers raised concerns in 2024, accusing the State Department of misrepresenting the program's nature. The grant, awarded to Humanists International, sought to empower atheist and heterodox individuals to form networks and combat discrimination.

Vance emphasized the administration's commitment to expanding religious liberty, citing recent executive orders aimed at protecting religious Americans and preventing federal censorship. Following Vance's speech, actor Rainn Wilson addressed the summit virtually, discussing the persecution of Baha’i followers in Iran. Meanwhile, Democrats have protested DOGE's actions, characterizing them as a corrupt power grab by Musk and his allies. They vow to fight the changes through legal, legislative, and public demonstrations.