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Former Presidents Speak Out as USAID Shuts Down Amid Controversy

In a moment that quickly drew national attention, former U.S. presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama appeared alongside U2 lead singer Bono during a private virtual meeting with employees of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The event took place as the agency was officially being dissolved following a federal investigation into alleged financial abuse and internal mismanagement.

The virtual gathering, which took place Monday, was intended as a farewell moment for staff members who had worked for the decades-old foreign aid agency. Although reporters were not allowed to attend, portions of the meeting were later described in reports from outlets including the Associated Press and the New York Post.

Obama Calls the Shutdown a “Colossal Mistake”

During the meeting, Barack Obama delivered a video message expressing strong concern about the closure. The former president argued that dismantling the agency could have serious consequences for global humanitarian efforts.

Obama described the move as deeply troubling, saying that eliminating the organization could undermine some of the most impactful international development work carried out by the United States.

According to those who viewed the recording, he warned that the decision might ultimately be reconsidered in the future.

“Sooner or later, leaders from both political parties may realize how essential this work truly is,” he said while addressing the staff.

Obama’s remarks reportedly carried an emotional tone, with observers noting that he appeared visibly moved while acknowledging the contributions of employees who had spent years working on global development programs.

Bush Reflects on His Presidential Legacy

For George W. Bush, the closure of USAID also carried personal significance.

The former Republican president rarely criticizes Donald Trump publicly, making his appearance at the event notable to many political observers. While he did not directly attack Trump, Bush emphasized the humanitarian accomplishments associated with programs supported through USAID.

In particular, he pointed to the global HIV/AIDS relief initiative launched during his presidency, which many health experts credit with saving millions of lives.

Bush told the agency’s employees that their work represented the compassion and generosity of the American people.

He reminded them that their efforts had helped millions survive diseases and crises around the world—something he said reflected the “good heart” of the United States.

Bono Adds an Emotional Tribute

Joining the discussion was Bono, longtime humanitarian activist and frontman of the legendary band U2. Bono reportedly read a poem he had written specifically for the moment, honoring the agency’s workers and the mission they carried out over decades.

His words were highly emotional and focused on the humanitarian impact of USAID’s programs. Bono suggested that ending the agency could lead to increased hardship in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.

The singer has previously been outspoken about global aid policies and has criticized Donald Trump in the past. Years earlier, he described Trump’s political rise as one of the most concerning developments for America’s global leadership.

Trump Administration Defends the Decision

The shutdown of USAID followed a sweeping review conducted by the Department of Government Efficiency, commonly known as DOGE, an initiative created by Donald Trump to eliminate what his administration describes as unnecessary federal spending.

The effort was initially led by entrepreneur Elon Musk, who sharply criticized the agency earlier in the year. Musk claimed the organization had become politically biased and inefficient, accusing it of being dominated by far-left ideologies.

After months of investigation, officials concluded that the agency would be dissolved and its remaining responsibilities transferred elsewhere within the federal government.

State Department Takes Control of Foreign Aid

On Tuesday, Marco Rubio, serving as Secretary of State and the agency’s final acting administrator, announced that the United States Department of State would assume responsibility for all foreign assistance programs moving forward.

Rubio argued that the shift would create a more streamlined and accountable system for distributing international aid.

According to Rubio, the old structure had grown into what he described as a massive network of government-funded organizations with limited measurable results.

He claimed that many development goals had failed to produce lasting stability abroad and that in some regions anti-American sentiment had actually increased despite decades of financial assistance.

Rubio said the administration intends to rebuild foreign aid programs with a new focus on national interests, strategic priorities, and measurable outcomes.

Beginning July 1, he confirmed, USAID would officially stop managing international assistance programs altogether.

The Role of DOGE in the Shutdown

The agency’s closure was closely tied to the broader anti-waste campaign launched by the Department of Government Efficiency.

During a March address to Congress, Donald Trump praised the initiative for identifying billions of dollars in what his administration labeled unnecessary spending.

Trump highlighted several foreign aid programs as examples of questionable expenditures. Among the items he listed were large grants for diversity and inclusion initiatives abroad, economic development programs targeting migrant communities, and funding for social projects in multiple countries.