In a recent social media update, the well-known conservative group Libs of TikTok disclosed that Roderick Watson, an official with USAID, has admitted guilt in a groundbreaking bribery case. Watson, along with three other individuals, participated in an extensive corruption scheme amounting to $550 million, during which he received extravagant bribes in exchange for awarding contracts to his sponsors.
To provide some background, USAID has garnered attention since President Donald Trump initiated the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aimed at addressing fraud, waste, and corruption. One of DOGE’s most significant battles was its attempt to dismantle USAID and ensure accountability for those involved in misconduct.
This was highlighted in a post by Libs of TikTok on June 13, 2025, on X, previously known as Twitter, where the story was first reported. In her announcement of the scandal, she remarked, “BREAKING: USAID official and 3 company executives plead guilty in fraud and bribery scheme involving at least 14 contracts worth over $550 million.”
Furthering her investigation, she elaborated, “USAID Official Roderick Watson accepted bribes and was inundated with extravagant gifts— including cash, laptops, thousands of dollars in tickets to a suite at an NBA game, a country club wedding, down payments on two residential mortgages, cell phones, and employment opportunities for family members.”]} }}]}
In her concluding remarks, she stated, “In return for the bribe payments, Watson swayed the awarding of contracts by altering the procurement process at USAID. Watson is subject to a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Just think about the extent of the fraud that exists…”
In response to her widely shared post, Elon Musk, the former leader of DOGE, succinctly remarked, “This is merely the tip of the iceberg.” Underneath his comment, conservatives contributed hundreds of replies regarding the alarming offenses committed by Watson and USAID.
One comment expressed, “This explains the significant opposition to DOGE. The wrongdoers are being unveiled. Numerous malevolent individuals will be held legally accountable if DOGE persists in their efforts with determination.” Expanding on this idea, another user remarked, “What astonishes me is not the corruption, which is commonplace, but the staggering sums we are discussing.”
Reflecting a shared perspective, one woman commented, “I am only astonished that the justice system pursued them. It appears that individuals have evaded consequences for so long that it feels unusual when they are held accountable.”
A conservative expressed hope for additional convictions, stating, “This is merely the beginning. I cannot even [fathom] the sheer number of individuals who will likely plead guilty to the fraud and crimes they have committed. You and DOGE have performed an outstanding job, and there truly are not enough words to express my gratitude for what you have revealed and achieved.”
In conclusion, numerous users expressed their appreciation to Musk for his contributions to America. One comment noted, “Elon is correct—this is likely just the surface of a much larger issue. If a single official can execute this, one can only imagine the extent of the corruption present in other agencies or contracts. The online community is abuzz with discussions regarding government waste and fraud, and posts on X are urgently calling for audits and accountability. It raises the question of how many more individuals like Watson are manipulating the system. It is time to drain the swamp and illuminate every dubious transaction.
