Jul 2, 2025, 6:25 PM
Jun 30, 2025, 12:00 AM

Trump dismantles USAID, prompting backlash from Obama, Bush, and Bono

Highlights
  • USAID officially ended its operations as an independent agency on July 1, 2025.
  • Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush criticized Trump's decision to dismantle the agency.
  • The closure of USAID is projected to negatively affect millions of people reliant on its programs.
Story

On July 1, 2025, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) officially ceased operations as an independent agency. Established by President John F. Kennedy over six decades ago, USAID was responsible for promoting U.S. national security through humanitarian aid and development programs around the world. The agency's last day was marked by a farewell video featuring former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, as well as singer Bono, all of whom criticized the Trump administration's decision to absorb USAID into the State Department. Obama called the dismantling of USAID 'a colossal mistake' and lamented the loss of jobs and the essential work done by its employees. Bush highlighted the notable successes of USAID, especially in healthcare initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has saved millions of lives. Bono recited an emotional poem lamenting the agency’s closure and warning that cuts to funding would affect millions in dire need of aid. The transition to the state department raised concerns about how effectively foreign assistance programs would be managed moving forward. Critics argue that the State Department lacks the structure and resources needed to replicate USAID’s extensive global impact. Supporters of USAID assert that its dissolution will have detrimental effects on millions of recipients dependent on its programs. Many humanitarian advocates view Obama, Bush, and Bono's unified message as a stark warning about the consequences of reducing U.S. engagement in international development. As discussions continue around the newly introduced 'America First' foreign assistance framework, many are left wondering whether the needs of the bottom billion, those living in extreme poverty, will still be met under this new paradigm.

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