New USAID head faces scrutiny over January 6 Capitol involvement

rollingstone.com February 4, 2025, 10:00 PM UTC

Pete Marocco has been appointed as the new head of USAID, despite allegations of his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot. He was reportedly identified by online sleuths but has not faced any charges. Marocco previously criticized USAID and was ousted from various government positions during the Trump administration. His return has raised concerns among agency staff, who fear he may disrupt operations again. Additionally, Marco Rubio has appointed Darren Beattie, a former White House speechwriter with a controversial past, to a role in the State Department. Beattie has a history of making racist statements and previously mocked the agency he now serves.


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