Bush and Obama Criticize Trump’s USAID Cuts on Agency’s Final Day: What It Means for Global Aid

Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, along with singer Bono, expressed deep sadness and frustration over the recent changes to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In a heartfelt video farewell, they addressed USAID staff, highlighting the importance of the agency and the lives it has impacted.

Obama described the dismantling of USAID as a “colossal mistake.” The agency, established by President John F. Kennedy over sixty years ago, has played a crucial role in promoting goodwill worldwide. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that USAID would now operate under the State Department. This decision was met with disappointment from many who see the agency’s work as vital to global stability and humanitarian aid.

USAID has been instrumental in providing food and clean water to millions affected by conflict, as well as bringing innovations in agriculture that have alleviated famine. Obama emphasized that USAID not only saves lives but also assists countries in becoming more self-sufficient and prosperous. He urged Congress to recognize its value, stating, “Sooner or later, leaders on both sides of the aisle will realize how much you are needed.”

Bush also took a moment to reflect on the cuts to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program he initiated that has saved 25 million lives globally. He stressed that investing in such programs is inherently in America’s national interest.

The changes at USAID have led to drastic job losses, with many staff receiving abrupt notifications of their termination. Critics like Trump labeled the agency as “filled with radical left lunatics,” which contributed to a narrative that put its future in jeopardy.

Bono, a long-time advocate for humanitarian causes, joined the conversation by reciting a poignant poem about the agency. He challenged the negative perceptions surrounding USAID, recognizing it as a force for good even when it faced scorn. “They called you crooks. When you were the best of us,” he said, highlighting the disconnect between public opinion and the agency’s impactful work.

The recent changes at USAID are part of a broader trend where humanitarian efforts have faced budget cuts and scrutiny. According to a recent study by researchers at Boston University, many lives could be at risk due to reduced funding for health and aid programs.

In a time when international relations are more critical than ever, the voices of leaders like Obama and Bush serve as reminders of the importance of supporting global humanitarian initiatives and recognizing the essential work done by organizations like USAID.



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