Former USAID Employees Use Social Media to Save Agency's Reputation

Meet the Posters Behind Instagram's Federal Agency Alt Accounts In a remarkable display of grassroots activism, a group of former USAID employees has been using social media to promote the agency's lifesaving work in the face of potential dismantling. Rachel, a veteran of the organization, spearheaded the effort, gathering photos and sharing them online with her colleagues. The initiative began just 10 days into President Donald Trump's second administration, when Rachel rented a room at a Washington bar for her former colleagues to gather. "We shared drinks and crazy stories of wandering into deserted office buildings with no art on the walls," she recalled. The group was determined to stop Elon Musk's DOGE from dismantling the agency. Rachel forwarded photos of USAID's accomplishments to Veronica, another alum who had crossed paths with her at the agency. Veronica responded with ideas for next steps and offered to help in any way she could. "I love that we're doing this," Rachel said. "We're not just posting pretty pictures; we're highlighting the impact of our work." The USAID alt accounts on Instagram have gained significant traction, with thousands of followers and a steady stream of posts showcasing the agency's achievements. The effort has also sparked conversations about the role of social media in promoting public diplomacy and countering misinformation. Background and Context USAID is the primary U.S. government agency responsible for providing foreign assistance to developing countries. With a budget of over $40 billion, it plays a critical role in addressing global challenges such as poverty, hunger, and disease. However, under President Trump's administration, the agency faced significant cuts and potential dismantling. The use of social media by USAID alumni is not unique, but the scale and organization of this effort are unprecedented. The alt accounts have become a platform for sharing stories of USAID's work, from disaster relief to economic development. Additional Perspectives Dr. Laura Hammond, a professor at Clark University who has studied USAID's role in global development, praised the initiative: "This is an example of how social media can be used to promote public diplomacy and counter misinformation. By sharing stories of their work, these individuals are highlighting the impact of U.S. foreign assistance." However, some critics have raised concerns about the potential for these accounts to blur the lines between official government communication and personal activism. Current Status and Next Developments As of now, the USAID alt accounts continue to gain momentum, with new posts and collaborations emerging regularly. Rachel and Veronica remain at the forefront of the effort, working closely with other alumni to ensure the accounts stay on track. The initiative has also inspired similar efforts by former employees of other federal agencies, highlighting the potential for social media to mobilize grassroots activism in support of public diplomacy. In a statement, USAID spokesperson stated that "the agency is aware of and appreciates the efforts of its alumni to promote its work through social media. We are exploring ways to collaborate with these individuals and leverage their expertise to amplify our message." The future of these accounts remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: they have become a powerful example of how social media can be used to promote public diplomacy and counter misinformation in the digital age. *Reporting by Motherjones.*