Newly surfaced recordings shared on X by investigative reporter DataRepublican appear to show senior figures within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) discussing how they moved internal communications off federal systems and into encrypted Signal chats ahead of President Donald Trump’s inauguration.

The material has prompted questions about whether a network of officials and contractors coordinated political activities outside the agency’s official structure.

The recordings, reportedly taken during a USAID virtual meeting, feature multiple staff members describing how internal groups prepared for what they viewed as a hostile incoming administration.

Trump's Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

MORE NEWS: JFK’s Grandson Jack Schlossberg Launches Congressional Campaign for Nadler’s NY Seat

A staff member identified as “Van (she/her)” is heard explaining that, prior to January 20, USAID employees migrated discussions and data from government servers into private Signal chat groups.

“We saw the writing on the wall and the attacks that were already happening during the election cycle,” Van said.

“We had already moved our group away from the USAID main systems into Signal chats to protect our community there.”

Van said that after the inauguration, contractors established a “Stop Work Order” website and began forming private coordination groups in what she described as a rapid response to disinformation.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Are you glad President Trump is building the new WH ballroom?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from Objectivist.co, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Within days, hundreds of USAID employees reportedly joined these encrypted communication channels as agency leadership changed and several officials were placed on administrative leave.

“We had all read Project 2025,” Van said, referring to a policy blueprint developed by the Heritage Foundation and other conservative organizations.

“We were somewhat prepared for this administration, and in other ways, not prepared at all.”

Van cited the Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI), a USAID division typically used in foreign crisis response and governance programs, as playing a key role in organizing internal communications. “OTI has been a major player. They pre-organized because they had organized during the previous Trump administration to respond to threats to our U.S. democracy,” she said.

MORE NEWS: Police Arrest Suspect Named ‘Jihad’ After Robbery, Assault at UC Berkeley TPUSA Event [WATCH]

Another USAID employee, identified as Rosarie Tucci, can be heard discussing collaboration between the agency, Johns Hopkins University, and other international partners to create what she called “coordination structures.”

“I think the 22nd Century will be a great place to build those connections,” Tucci said.

“Johns Hopkins is also working to bridge international and domestic democracy and conflict mitigation spaces… We can bring in actors or colleagues from around the world who have dealt with this directly on very specific issue sets, whether that’s tackling corruption, responding to corruption, or mobilizing around corruption.”

MORE NEWS: President Trump Secures Another Win as The Supreme Court Makes Emergency SNAP Ruling [WATCH]

According to DataRepublican’s summary of the footage, the first large-scale protest linked to these internal networks occurred on February 5.

“We had our first large-scale protest, in which several congressional leaders stood up with us, along with agency leadership,” Van said in the recording.

DataRepublican alleged that the event was coordinated by progressive groups including 50501 and Indivisible, both of which have received support from organizations linked to billionaire George Soros.

The Heir: Inside the (Not So) Secret Network of Alex Soros

The reporter also claimed that the Office of Transition Initiatives’ participation in the domestic coordination effort could raise legal questions.

OTI operates under Section 491 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, which authorizes programs to stabilize other nations in crisis.

MORE NEWS: NYC’s Socialist Mayor-Elect Mamdani Plans to Call President Trump Before Inauguration

The law does not list domestic civic engagement among the office’s functions.

“Lest you think it is harmless, they outright admit their goal is to create new ‘socio-political economic governance systems,’” DataRepublican wrote in one post.

“If that’s not a coup, I don’t know what is.”

MORE NEWS: DOJ Launches Investigation Following Antifa Mob Attacks at TPUSA Event at UC Berkeley [WATCH]

In response to the revelations, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, former National Security Advisor to President Trump, urged action on X, writing: “IF IT LOOKS LIKE A COUP, IF IT SOUNDS LIKE A COUP, IF IT FEELS LIKE A COUP, IT’S A COUP!!!” Flynn added, “Mr. @POTUS @realDonaldTrump — Get our DOJ to hold all of these government and former government officials accountable. READ THIS THREAD NOW.”

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Objectivist. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.