In a rare display of bipartisan unity, former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush have publicly condemned President Donald Trump’s decision to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), a move they warn could have dire global consequences.
According to The Daily Beast, the decision to close USAID, enacted through severe budget cuts under Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in February, will see the agency absorbed into the State Department and replaced by a new entity called America First, prompting widespread concern about its impact on international aid.
The controversy began earlier this year when the Trump administration, under the guidance of Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative, slashed approximately 90 percent of USAID’s foreign aid contracts. This drastic reduction, implemented in February, crippled the agency’s ability to operate effectively. As a result, USAID’s workforce plummeted from 10,000 employees to fewer than 300, severely limiting its capacity to deliver aid worldwide.
The cuts have drawn sharp criticism from many quarters, including two former presidents who oversaw USAID during their administrations. Barack Obama, speaking out against the decision, expressed deep concern over the loss of such a vital institution. “Gutting USAID is a travesty, and it’s a tragedy,” Obama said, highlighting the agency’s critical role globally.
Continuing his remarks, Obama emphasized the long-term importance of USAID’s mission. “Sooner or later, leaders on both sides of the aisle will realize how much you are needed,” he added. He also paid tribute to the agency’s staff, stating, “Your work has mattered and will matter for generations to come.”
George W. Bush echoed Obama’s sentiments, focusing on the tangible impact of USAID’s efforts over the years. “Is it in our national interests that 25 million people who would have died now live? I think it is, and so do you,” Bush said. He also praised the agency’s employees, noting, “You’ve shown the great strength of America through your work – and that is your good heart.”
The decision to dismantle USAID comes with stark warnings from experts about its potential fallout. A recent study published in The Lancet medical journal projects that the cuts could result in 14 million preventable deaths by 2030. The same study credits USAID with saving over 91 million lives, many of them children, through its programs.
Researchers behind The Lancet study caution that the elimination of USAID threatens to undo significant advancements in health and socioeconomic conditions. They argue that low and middle-income countries, which have relied on USAID support, could face severe setbacks. The study underscores the agency’s role in fostering stability and development in vulnerable regions.
As USAID prepares to be folded into the State Department, a poignant moment marked its final day. On Monday, a farewell video message was released to the remaining staff, acknowledging their dedication. This transition signals the end of USAID as an independent entity after decades of service.
With USAID’s absorption into the State Department, a new organization named America First will take its place. The Trump administration has framed this shift as a way to realign foreign aid with national priorities. Details about how America First will operate remain unclear, raising questions about future aid efforts.
The White House has stood firm in the face of criticism, defending the decision to close USAID. “America remains the most generous country in the world because President Trump has a humanitarian heart, and partner countries want to be self-reliant in addressing the needs of their people,” a spokesperson said.
The administration also emphasized its commitment to taxpayers, with the spokesperson adding, “The Trump administration is ensuring all programs funded by American taxpayers align with American interests, just as this President was elected to do.”
While the White House touts the restructuring as a necessary reform, others remain deeply skeptical. Public figures like Bono have also weighed in, lamenting the loss of USAID’s mission. “They called you crooks when you were the best of us,” Bono said, addressing the agency’s staff.
The closure of USAID has sparked a broader debate about America’s role in international development. Critics argue that diminishing such a key agency could weaken U.S. influence abroad. Supporters, however, see it as a step toward prioritizing domestic needs over foreign commitments. As the transition to America First unfolds, many worry about the immediate impact on aid-dependent nations. The drastic reduction in staff and funding has already disrupted long-standing programs. The world now watches to see how this new chapter in U.S. foreign policy will evolve.