Former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush have come together to criticize President Donald Trump's decision to dissolve the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
According to The Daily Beast, both former presidents delivered powerful farewell messages to USAID staffers on Monday, the agency's final day of operations before being absorbed into the State Department.
The dramatic restructuring comes after Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative in February, which resulted in the elimination of approximately 90 percent of USAID's foreign aid contracts and reduced its workforce from 10,000 to fewer than 300 employees.
Obama expressed deep concern about the agency's dismantling, describing it as both a "travesty" and a "tragedy" in private comments obtained by Associated Press. The former Democratic president remained hopeful that future leaders would recognize USAID's vital importance.
Bush, taking an even stronger stance, specifically addressed cuts to the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), questioning whether it served national interests to abandon programs that had saved millions of lives. The Republican former president praised USAID workers for demonstrating America's compassionate spirit.
Irish singer and activist Bono joined the chorus of criticism, contributing a specially written poem for the occasion that defended USAID workers against their critics, highlighting their dedication to humanitarian service.
A newly published study in The Lancet medical journal projects that the dissolution of USAID could result in 14 million preventable deaths by 2030. The report emphasizes the devastating impact on vulnerable populations in low and middle-income countries.
Research indicates that USAID's programs have already prevented over 91 million deaths, with a significant portion being children. The agency's dissolution threatens to reverse decades of progress in global health and socioeconomic development.
The White House has defended the decision, maintaining that partner countries desire self-reliance and that America remains the world's most generous nation under Trump's leadership.
The administration's response to Obama and Bush's criticism emphasized their commitment to aligning American taxpayer-funded programs with national interests. They assert this restructuring fulfills Trump's campaign promises.
The new organization, dubbed "America First," will operate under the State Department's jurisdiction. This transition marks a fundamental shift in how the United States approaches international aid and development.
White House officials insist that President Trump maintains a "humanitarian heart" while prioritizing American interests in foreign assistance programs.
The closure of USAID represents a significant departure from decades of American leadership in international development and humanitarian assistance. The agency's achievements include critical interventions in global health, education, and disaster relief.
The rare collaboration between Obama and Bush, presidents from opposing political parties, underscores the gravity of USAID's dismantling. Their joint stance highlights the traditionally bipartisan nature of American humanitarian assistance.
As USAID's remaining staff prepare for integration into the State Department, questions remain about the future effectiveness of American foreign aid under the new "America First" framework, and the potential long-term consequences for global development and U.S. soft power abroad.
