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By Jenna Sundel and Gabe Whisnant
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Former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama publicly condemned the Trump administration's dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), joining legendary singer Bono in an emotional farewell via videoconference to the shuttered aid service.
Obama, a Democrat, called the decision "a colossal mistake," while the Republican Bush denounced the cuts to his signature HIV/AIDS relief program, asking, "Is it in our national interests that 25 million people who would have died now live? I think it is, and so do you."
Bono, appearing as a surprise guest, fought back tears as he honored the agency's workers, calling them "the best of us." The videoconference marked the end of USAID's 63-year run as an independent agency before its absorption into the State Department under Secretary Marco Rubio.
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Why It Matters
USAID was created by President John F. Kennedy with the goal of administering civilian foreign aid. The agency has implemented various health, education, economic, environmental and other programs.
On February 3, Rubio announced the agency would be integrated into the State Department. The change came amid cost-saving efforts under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), created by President Donald Trump and led by Elon Musk at the time.
On February 2, Trump told reporters that USAID was run by "radical lunatics." Musk called it a "criminal organization" on X, formerly Twitter.
USAID staffers reported being locked out of offices and terminated by mass emailing.
What To Know
Obama told the staffers that "sooner or later, leaders on both sides of the aisle will realize how much you are needed."
"Your work has mattered and will matter for generations to come," he said in a recorded statement played during the videoconference, crediting the agency with saving lives and promoting global economic growth that has fostered new markets and trade partners for the U.S.
Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, ex-Colombian President Juan Manual Santos and former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield also spoke at the event.
What People Are Saying
Bush, in a recorded statement played during the videoconference: "You've showed the great strength of America through your workâand that is your good heart."
Obama, also in a recorded statement played during the conference: "Gutting USAID is a travesty, and it's a tragedy. Because it's some of the most important work happening anywhere in the world."
The State Department, in comments to the Associated Press (AP): "The new process will ensure there is proper oversight and that every tax dollar spent will help advance our national interests."
What Happens Next
The State Department told the AP that a new foreign assistance program called America First will be introduced this week.
This article contains reporting by the AP.
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