“Uncovering the Secret Diplomatic Missteps of Peter Marocco: Sign Up for ProPublica’s Biggest Stories”

In a recent investigative report by ProPublica, it was revealed that Peter Marocco, a government official appointed by President Donald Trump, has been involved in controversial diplomatic actions that have raised concerns about the integrity of America’s foreign aid sector.

Marocco, who previously served as a senior political appointee at the State Department, made a secret visit to the Balkans in 2018, where he met with ethnonationalist Bosnian Serb separatist leaders. These politicians were deemed off-limits by the U.S. government due to their efforts to undermine the peace agreement brokered in the region.

One of the attendees at the meeting was Milorad Dodik, a leader under U.S. sanctions for obstructing American efforts in the region. Dodik has since expressed anti-Western and anti-American sentiments, further complicating the situation.

The meeting with the separatist leaders was discovered by Maureen Cormack, the American ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, who confronted Marocco about the inappropriate gathering. Despite initial denials, Marocco eventually admitted to the meeting, leading to a sharp rebuke from Cormack.

Following his tenure at the State Department, Marocco was appointed to a senior position at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where he attempted to halt numerous programs, including those benefiting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s government. His agenda, described as militaristic and Christian nationalist, raised concerns among agency leaders, leading to a reduction in his responsibilities.

Marocco’s actions at USAID mirrored his previous controversial policies, with reports of him attempting to redirect funds away from programs supporting democracy and fair elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. His efforts were seen as undermining U.S. strategic interests in the region and potentially violating constitutional principles of religious freedom.

Despite legal challenges and pushback from employees and organizations, Marocco has defended his actions as necessary to eliminate government waste and align with Trump’s agenda. His rapid dismantling of USAID programs has sparked concerns about the future of America’s foreign aid policy.

As Marocco continues to wield significant power within the State Department and USAID, questions remain about the impact of his actions on U.S. foreign policy and international relations. The investigation sheds light on the challenges and controversies surrounding America’s foreign aid sector under the Trump administration.