This is from britannica.com, also verified on Wikipedia
“A demand from the pasha of Tripoli for greater tribute and his dramatic declaration of war on the United States (May 14, 1801) coincided with a decision by U.S. Pres. Thomas Jefferson’s administration to demonstrate American resolve.”
Sorry, Charlie, but war was declared.
Ships, cargo and sailors were seized by the religious leaders to pay the tribute to Allah they demanded of non-Muslims.
Then I guess you agree with Trump ending the billions of dollars dumped into USAID with nothing in return.