Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush came together to condemn what they called a “colossal mistake” by the Trump administration: the dismantling of USAID, a six-decade-old humanitarian organization. The rare alliance between these political rivals underscored the gravity of the decision, which has effectively absorbed the agency into the State Department following Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s orders. Why was Bono so emotionally moved by the termination of USAID?
Former Presidents Unite Against USAID Dismantling
Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush set aside their political differences to address USAID staff in a heartfelt videoconference, condemning the Trump administration’s decision to dismantle the agency. The surprising alliance between the Democratic and Republican former leaders highlighted the bipartisan support that once existed for the agency created by President John F. Kennedy to promote U.S. national security through global goodwill and prosperity.
Obama did not mince words during the address, stating: “Gutting USAID is a travesty, and it’s a tragedy. Because it’s some of the most important work happening anywhere in the world.” Bush echoed these sentiments, particularly lamenting cuts to PEPFAR, the HIV/AIDS relief program he established during his presidency that has reportedly saved 25 million lives.
USAID officially closes, attracting condemnation from Obama and Bush https://t.co/ra3imZ6lCj
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) July 2, 2025
Trump Administration’s Criticism and Agency Restructuring
Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered USAID to be integrated into the State Department following Trump’s characterization of the agency as a “left-wing scam.” The move aligns with criticism from Trump supporter Elon Musk, who described USAID as a “criminal organization,” reflecting a fundamental shift in the administration’s approach to foreign aid.
The restructuring has resulted in immediate terminations, with staff abruptly locked out of their systems and thousands of jobs eliminated. This dramatic change dismantles an organization that previously provided over 40% of global humanitarian funding, with the State Department planning to introduce a successor called “America First” that will focus more explicitly on national interests.
Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush called out Trump for dismantling USAID. Obama called the move “a colossal mistake … Gutting USAID is a travesty, and it’s a tragedy.”
And Bush criticized Trump for cutting the HIV/AIDS program he helped bring to life, saying:… pic.twitter.com/r6ABsE0cIW
— Scott Dworkin (@funder) July 2, 2025
Global Impact and Emotional Response
The repercussions of USAID’s dismantling extend beyond American borders, with major international donors including Germany, the UK, and France announcing plans to reduce their foreign aid budgets in response. USAID’s extensive programs have provided essential resources in conflict zones, promoted democracy, and supported economic development across the globe for decades.
U2 frontman Bono made a surprise appearance during the videoconference, becoming visibly emotional while defending USAID workers against criticism. “They called you crooks. When you were the best of us,” Bono stated, highlighting the personal toll of the agency’s dismantling on dedicated public servants who had committed their careers to humanitarian work.