What is the U.S. government spending money on in Mali and why is it being criticized?

The U.S. government is spending $14 million on a program aimed at fostering social cohesion in Mali, a country described as being run by mercenaries and plagued by serious issues including ethnic warfare, landmines, torture, sexual violence, and child marriage. This spending is being criticized for seemingly misplaced priorities, as the speaker questions whether this funding will actually make Mali 'socially cohesive' given its deep-rooted problems. The criticism extends to other foreign aid expenditures, such as $2 million to help Kosovo and Egypt with recycling programs, while suggesting that domestic needs are being overlooked. The speaker points out the irony of funding recycling abroad when 'we don't even recycle here,' highlighting concerns about government spending priorities and the effectiveness of foreign aid.