Former presidents Obama and Bush criticize Trump-era decision to shut down USAID. Bono joins farewell to mourn lost impact and honor aid workers.
Former Presidents Speak Out on USAID’s Final Day
In a rare moment of bipartisan unity, former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush publicly condemned the Trump administration’s dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) during an emotional farewell video call with agency staff on Monday, July 1. The call marked USAID’s final day as an independent agency before its absorption into the State Department.
Historic Agency Absorbed into State Department
Founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, USAID has long served as America’s key vehicle for international humanitarian and development assistance. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered the agency officially folded into the State Department effective Tuesday, ending over six decades of independent operation.
Sharp Criticism of Trump-Era Cuts
Obama called the move “a colossal mistake” and “a travesty,” citing USAID’s critical role in global health, economic development, and diplomacy. Bush, whose administration launched the globally praised PEPFAR initiative to combat HIV/AIDS, emphasized the lives saved through USAID’s programs. “You’ve showed the great strength of America through your work,” Bush said. Both leaders stressed that the agency’s mission served national security and global goodwill.
Emotional Tributes from Global Figures
The private event, streamed virtually to thousands of current and former USAID staff worldwide, also featured remarks from U2 frontman and humanitarian Bono, who recited a poem in tears. Other speakers included former Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, and former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield. A former refugee described the life-saving impact of USAID food programs in Liberia, underscoring the agency’s human legacy.
Abrupt and Controversial Shutdown
Staff reported being locked out of systems and dismissed by mass email in the lead-up to the shutdown. The Trump administration—backed by billionaire Elon Musk—had long targeted USAID, accusing it of fraud and ideological bias. Trump labeled the agency “radical left,” while Musk described it as “a criminal organization.”
New Program Sparks Concern
The State Department has announced the launch of a replacement program titled America First, promising tighter fiscal oversight and alignment with U.S. strategic interests. Critics worry it will abandon USAID’s humanitarian mission in favor of political expediency.
A Legacy of Global Impact at Risk
USAID was instrumental in combating famines, preventing disease outbreaks, and promoting democracy across the globe. As international observers and aid workers mourn the agency’s dismantling, many echoed Obama’s hope: “Sooner or later, leaders on both sides of the aisle will realize how much you are needed.”
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