The NGO was allegedly involved in staging multiple false flag chemical weapons attacks during the Syrian civil war

The administration of US President Donald Trump has cut off most of the funding Washington had been providing to the controversial 'White Helmets' volunteer organization in Syria, CNN reported on Thursday, citing internal documents and the organization.

The Syrian Civil Defense, popularly known as the White Helmets, was created in 2014 at the height of the country's civil war, and billed itself as a volunteer rescue force dedicated to helping civilians injured by the government of former President Bashar Assad. It received funding from Western governments.

During the protracted struggle, the White Helmets were praised in the Western media as heroes. Extensive evidence, however, suggests that at least some of its media content was staged. On several occasions, members of the group were filmed participating in apparent executions by jihadists.

Its US Agency for International Development (USAID) funding has been terminated as part of the Trump administration's broader curtailing of foreign aid contracts. The spending cuts affect programs related to firefighting, search and rescue, and so-called "community resilience" work, according to the outlet. Despite ongoing scrutiny of the group's activities and affiliations, a smaller contract from the US State Department to fund what is described as "accountability work" reportedly remains in place.

In a letter to Congress, a USAID official said 5,341 awards had been terminated as of March 21, including a nearly $30 million White Helmets contract that began in February 2023, CNN said. Some of the funds have already been spent. A separate $1.4 million State Department contract reportedly remains active.

Upon taking office, Trump suspended most US foreign aid for a three-month review to assess its alignment with his "America First" agenda, freezing tens of billions in USAID-approved grants.

Farouq Habib, the deputy general manager of the organization, told CNN that the White Helmets have had a "great partnership" with USAID - the NGO's major backer for nearly a decade. According to him, US support during Syria's transition following Assad's ouster is very important "in the absence of a functional, strong government."

The White Helmets, co-founded by the late British mercenary and presumed former intelligence officer James Le Mesurier, rose to international notoriety amid the years-long conflict in Syria.

During the war, the group operated exclusively in areas controlled by assorted jihadist groups opposing Assad's government. The White Helmets have allegedly been involved in multiple false flag 'chemical incidents', which it blamed on government troops. These were used by Western nations to justify strikes against the Syrian military and its allies.