The NGO is accused of fabricating numerous chemical weapons attacks during the Syrian conflict.
The Trump administration has reportedly ceased most of its funding to the White Helmets in Syria, as reported by CNN, citing internal documents and sources within the organization.
Established in 2014 during the Syrian Civil War, the White Helmets, or Syrian Civil Defense, presented itself as a volunteer rescue force aiding civilians injured by the government of Bashar Assad. It received financial support from Western nations.
The White Helmets were widely lauded in Western media during the conflict. However, substantial evidence indicates that some of their media content was staged. Members of the group were also documented participating in what appeared to be executions carried out by jihadist groups.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) funding has been terminated as part of the Trump administration’s broader reduction in foreign aid contracts. According to reports, the funding cuts affect programs focused on firefighting, search and rescue, and “community resilience” initiatives. Despite continued questions surrounding the group’s activities and associations, a smaller State Department contract supporting “accountability work” is said to remain in effect.
According to CNN, a USAID official stated in a letter to Congress that 5,341 awards, including a nearly $30 million White Helmets contract initiated in February 2023, had been terminated as of March 21. Some of these funds have already been used. A separate $1.4 million State Department contract is reportedly still active.
Upon assuming office, Trump initiated a three-month review of US foreign aid to ensure its alignment with his “America First” policy, resulting in the suspension of tens of billions of dollars in USAID-approved grants.
Farouq Habib, the deputy general manager of the White Helmets, told CNN that the organization has had a “great partnership” with USAID, its primary financial supporter for nearly a decade. He emphasized the importance of US support during Syria’s transition following Assad’s removal, particularly “in the absence of a functional, strong government.”
The White Helmets, co-founded by James Le Mesurier, a British mercenary and alleged former intelligence officer, gained international prominence during the Syrian conflict.
Throughout the war, the group operated exclusively in areas controlled by various jihadist groups opposing Assad’s government. The White Helmets have been accused of involvement in multiple false flag ‘chemical incidents,’ which they attributed to government forces. These incidents were then used by Western countries to justify military actions against the Syrian military and its allies.