Afghanistan

Saleh alleges $80 million US cash transfer to Taliban in letter shared by congressman

WASHINGTON — Congressman Tim Burchett shared a letter on Monday purportedly written by Amrullah Saleh, the former vice president of Afghanistan, alleging that $80 million in cash was transferred to the Taliban following President Donald Trump’s return to office.

The handwritten letter, dated February 3, 2025, accuses an “unknown entity within the U.S.” of authorizing the cash transfer, which the Taliban are allegedly auctioning to stabilize the Afghani currency.

Congressman Burchett posted the letter on X alongside a photo, urging lawmakers to pass House Resolution 260. The resolution, introduced earlier this year, seeks to tighten oversight of U.S. foreign aid and prevent funds from inadvertently benefiting groups designated as terrorists.

“This is a personal letter from President Saleh, the last President of Afghanistan. Pass HR 260 now,” Burchett wrote in his post.

The letter, signed by President Saleh, states: “After President Trump assumed office, an unknown entity within the U.S. authorized the transfer of $80 million in cash to the Taliban. They are auctioning this money to stabilize the Afghani RIGHT NOW.”

The authenticity of the letter has not been independently verified, and neither the White House nor the State Department has commented on the allegations.

Saleh, who served as vice president under former President Ashraf Ghani, declared himself acting president after the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in August 2021. Saleh fled Afghanistan shortly thereafter and has since been a vocal critic of the Taliban and their foreign backers.

The alleged transfer raises questions about U.S. policy toward Afghanistan under the Trump administration, which has already faced scrutiny for suspending humanitarian aid and reassessing the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

Congressman Burchett’s call to pass HR 260 underscores the growing concern among lawmakers about financial accountability and potential misuse of U.S. funds. The resolution aims to ensure that aid intended for humanitarian purposes does not end up supporting hostile regimes or enabling human rights violations.

While the Taliban have denied receiving direct financial assistance from the United States, critics argue that funds indirectly benefiting they could further entrench their rule and undermine Afghanistan’s fragile stability.

The revelation has sparked bipartisan calls for greater transparency in how U.S. funds are managed in conflict zones, with some lawmakers demanding a congressional investigation into the alleged cash transfer.