Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush have publicly criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), calling it a grave error that undermines decades of humanitarian and development work.
The Trump administration began phasing out USAID earlier this year as part of a government-wide restructuring led by Elon Musk, who heads the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Approximately 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts were canceled, and the agency’s workforce was slashed from 10,000 to under 300 employees.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered the agency’s full integration into the State Department, where it will be replaced by a new entity dubbed “America First.” USAID’s official operations ended Monday.
In a farewell video to agency staff, Obama and Bush voiced strong opposition to the move, calling it both shortsighted and dangerous.
“Gutting USAID is a travesty—and a tragedy,” said Obama. “This is some of the most important work happening anywhere in the world. Sooner or later, leaders from both parties will realize how essential you are. Your work has mattered and will continue to matter for generations.”
Bush echoed that sentiment, particularly highlighting the impact of USAID’s global health programs.
Referencing cuts to PEPFAR, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief—one of his signature initiatives—Bush said, “Is it in our national interest that 25 million people who would have died now live? I believe it is, and I think you do too.”
“You’ve shown the world the true strength of America—and that is your good heart,” he added.
U2 frontman and activist Bono also participated in the video tribute, reciting a poem written for the occasion:
“They called you crooks / When you were the best of us.”
The impact of the USAID closure is already being felt. A report in The Lancet warns that the loss of funding and programming could lead to as many as 14 million avoidable deaths by 2030, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The study credits USAID with preventing over 91 million deaths globally over the past several decades.
Humanitarian fallout has been swift. Tons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) produced in Georgia to treat severe childhood malnutrition have reportedly been left unused due to canceled contracts. Some contracts were reinstated at the last minute, but advocates warn the disruption has already done significant harm.
Despite bipartisan criticism and mounting global concern, the Trump administration has defended the decision. In a statement to The Daily Beast, a White House spokesperson said the move reflects a shift toward promoting self-reliance among America’s international partners.
“America remains the most generous country in the world because President Trump has a humanitarian heart. Partner countries want to be self-reliant in addressing the needs of their people,” the spokesperson said. “This administration is making sure every taxpayer-funded program aligns with American interests—just as President Trump promised.”
