Former U.S. Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, alongside U2’s Bono, gathered virtually to offer support to USAID employees as the agency officially shut down following accusations of fraud and mismanagement. In a heartfelt video message to the departing staff, Obama referred to the closure as “a grave mistake,” emphasizing that USAID’s work has been among the most vital globally. “It’s a tragedy, and it will take time for leaders across the political spectrum to realize the essential nature of your work,” Obama remarked. Bush and Bono, also appearing via video, echoed Obama’s sentiments, speaking directly to the agency’s workforce.
The shutdown of USAID, a federal agency established under President Kennedy to provide foreign aid, followed a probe into corruption and inefficiency. The agency’s disbandment was part of a broader push by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, aimed at eliminating perceived government waste. Musk had previously criticized USAID, labeling it a “haven for leftist ideologues” who allegedly undermined American interests.
As part of the restructuring, USAID’s responsibilities were transferred to the State Department. The closure marks the end of a significant chapter in U.S. foreign policy, notably Bush’s signature HIV/AIDS relief initiative, which is credited with saving millions of lives worldwide. In an unusual critique of the Trump administration, Bush reflected on the legacy of the aid initiative, asserting, “It was in our national interest to save 25 million lives, and I believe we succeeded.”
Bono also expressed his concerns, reading a poem that mourned the loss of the agency’s work. His emotional message underscored the personal impact of the shutdown, declaring, “They called you corrupt when you were, in fact, the best of us.”
In contrast, Trump’s administration praised the move, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio—who took charge of USAID’s final weeks—asserting that the agency’s closure would enable a more efficient and strategic foreign aid system. Rubio emphasized that future foreign assistance would be more aligned with U.S. national interests, with a focus on accountability and effectiveness.
The decision to dismantle USAID came after a push to eliminate federal waste, a central tenet of the DOGE initiative. Trump lauded the agency’s closure as part of a broader effort to reduce unnecessary spending, citing examples like a $45 million diversity program in Burma and several questionable projects abroad that he believed did not serve U.S. interests.
While the transition continues, the debate over USAID’s legacy and the direction of U.S. foreign policy remains heated.
