I vaguely recall this origin story at eurotrib (without the DEI IED angle, just Aun's studied ignorance about NED lines of business; maybe it was a YouTube video?), but search doesn't return.

You can read a comprehensive selection of the #NEDFiles obtained exclusively by The Grayzone here: https://t.co/v9hbVW6q6U

I think many will be shocked that Congress allocates $200 million a year to an unstable, politically partisan organization with obviously inept leadership

— Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) July 30, 2024

full story
Upper-management repeatedly confesses embarrassment. This is surprising. It never occurred to me that anyone associated with that organization was capable of reflection.