Bush, Obama, Bono Criticize Trump’s USAID Cuts

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    In an emotional video message on Monday, former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush voiced rare public criticism of the Trump administration’s recent handling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Alongside them, singer and humanitarian advocate Bono delivered a poignant poem in support of the agency, bringing attention to its dissolution.

    Obama expressed strong disapproval over the dismantling of USAID, describing the action as a significant misstep. The agency, established under President John F. Kennedy’s vision over sixty years ago, had been an independent entity promoting U.S. national security through international goodwill and prosperity. As of Tuesday, USAID is being integrated into the State Department, a decision directed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

    In what was intended as a private gathering but partially shared with the press, Obama, Bush, and Bono spoke to thousands of USAID personnel in a video call. They focused on acknowledging the efforts of the thousands of employees now facing job loss and reflecting on their contributions to international aid and development.

    Amid the changes orchestrated by President Donald Trump, the agency was an early target for significant budget cuts, with swift and widespread terminations reportedly executed via mass communications. Trump had criticized USAID as being operated by what he termed the “radical left” and accused it of corruption, claims echoed by his associate Elon Musk, who dismissed it as a “criminal organization.”

    Obama, whose public appearances have been infrequent during Trump’s presidency, addressed the aid workers directly. He reassured them of their enduring impact, emphasizing the important role USAID has played in global economic development, which has not only saved countless lives but fostered new trade partnerships for the U.S. He voiced hope for bipartisan recognition of the agency’s value.

    The State Department, when approached for comments, mentioned plans to introduce a successor to USAID, labeled “America First.” The department highlighted that this new framework aims at ensuring every taxpayer dollar is adequately utilized in advancing national interests.

    Over the years, USAID has been instrumental in many global initiatives, providing essential resources like food and water to conflict-affected regions, supporting agricultural advancements, disease prevention, democratic governance, and economic development to uplift communities from poverty.

    Bush, through his recorded remarks, pinpointed the reduction in efforts for PEPFAR, a prominent AIDS and HIV program from his administration, which has been pivotal in saving millions of lives worldwide. Although congressional efforts managed to retain some funding for PEPFAR, significant cuts have occurred, impacting the number of beneficiaries.

    During the video call, other prominent figures, including former Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and former Colombian President Juan Manual Santos, joined in commending the aid workers. Stories of gratitude continued from humanitarian workers, with one recalling the timely aid from USAID during her childhood in a refugee camp.

    Bono, highlighted as a “surprise guest,” jokingly referred to the USAID team as “secret agents of international development” and passionately recited a poem he penned, touching on the tragic consequences of reduced U.S. funding on global health and survival. “They called you crooks. When you were the best of us,” he lamented, underlining the sacrifices and commitment of those within the agency.