Bono Slams Trump’s Gutting of USAID

In a significant and emotional discourse, former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush along with U2's lead singer Bono have criticized the closing down of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) by the administration of President Donald Trump. The USAID, a pivotal humanitarian organization established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, has for decades played an integral role in promoting prosperity and security globally through important initiatives such as poverty reduction and democracy promotion. The dismantling of USAID was completed as it was absorbed into the State Department under Trump's “America First” initiative. This move was implemented on orders from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This restructuring was criticized by Obama, Bush, and Bono during a video conference aiming to console and honor the USAID staff who lost their roles and initiatives due to this policy change.

Throughout their respective speeches, both former presidents underscored the profound impact USAID has had on international relations and development. Obama described the shutdown as “a colossal mistake,” stating that the aid provided was not just aid but a strategy of goodwill and development that had saved countless lives. He further elaborated on the critical role USAID played in transforming many aid-receiving countries into trade partners of the U.S., emphasizing that “sooner or later, leaders from both sides will realize how much [USAID workers] are needed.” On a similar note, Bush highlighted the significant impact of the PEPFAR program, initiated during his administration, which has saved millions of lives worldwide. He expressed his gratitude to the USAID staffers, reminding them of their contributions. “You've showed the great strength of America through your work—and that is your good heart,” Bush affirmed, emphasizing the importance of their work in the American ethos.

Renowned humanitarian and musician Bono, a surprise guest at the event, shared a poignant poem reflecting on the significant contributions of USAID. In a heartfelt moment, Bono acknowledged the staff as “secret agents of international development,” acknowledging the quiet yet robust nature of their work that shaped nations’ destinies. His poem spoke to the dire consequences of the dismantling, citing future casualties due to U.S. funding cuts in health and food programs. Bono's words vividly captured the gravity of the decision and served as an homage to the agency's positive global influence over decades.

The Trump administration, however, defended its decision to shutter USAID with assertions of alleged inefficiency and mismanagement within the agency. Trump and his administration labeled the organization as plagued by “tremendous fraud” and described its overarching strategies as part of a “radical left lunatic” agenda. As part of a broader effort to streamline government functions, Elon Musk, dubbed a special government employee under this administration, played a pivotal role in pursuing significant budget cuts, viewing USAID as a “criminal organization.”

Despite the criticisms, the closure of USAID is part of a broader transition where its duties will be absorbed by the State Department under a newly formed entity known as “America First.” This new structure aims to ensure, according to the current administration, that every dollar spent on foreign aid aligns with national priorities—a perspective that has seen mixed reactions from both political leaders and policy analysts domestically and internationally.

The liquidation of the USAID agency marks the end of an era, significantly impacting international development and humanitarian assistance efforts. For many, this move symbolizes a retreat from long-standing American values of global cooperation and support. The outpouring of emotional farewell messages from former presidents and supporters like Bono underscores a profound acknowledgment of USAID's contributions to global peace and development. As the organization stands down, the dialogue about the place of humanitarian aid in American foreign policy remains open, with impassioned pleas for reconsideration still echoing in national and global corridors. The significant bipartisan backlash against this decision indicates a long road ahead in reconciling differing views on America’s role in global humanitarian efforts.