Former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama just united — again — and this time, they’re calling President Trump’s foreign aid cuts a global “tragedy.”
In a new farewell video for outgoing USAID staff, Bush and Obama joined forces with U2 frontman Bono, delivering an emotional tribute while slamming Trump’s decision to dismantle the agency.
“Gutting USAID is a travesty,” Obama declared. “It’s some of the most important work happening anywhere in the world.”
Bush Breaks Silence: “Is It in Our Interests That 25 Million People Now Live? Yes.”
Bush, who has largely stayed silent on Trump for years, broke from tradition to defend one of his signature international legacies: the PEPFAR program, which helped fight AIDS in Africa.
“You’ve shown the great strength of America through your work — and that is your good heart,” Bush told USAID staff.
“Is it in our national interests that 25 million people who would have died now live? I think it is — and so do you.”
Trump and Musk Shut It Down: “A Nest of Radical Marxists”
In stark contrast, the Trump administration — in coordination with Elon Musk and the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency — officially shut down USAID on July 1st.
Trump called the agency a bloated bureaucracy plagued by fraud, while Musk didn’t hold back.
“USAID was a viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists who hate America,” Musk previously said.
The agency’s remaining operations have now been absorbed by the State Department, in what supporters say is a historic downsizing of ineffective global aid programs.
Rubio Responds: “This Era of Inefficiency Is Over”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a blistering statement pushing back against Bush, Obama, and Bono.
“USAID created a globe-spanning NGO industrial complex at taxpayer expense,” Rubio wrote.
“Since the Cold War, it’s achieved little beyond promoting instability and anti-American sentiment.”
He added:
“This era of government-sanctioned inefficiency is officially over.”
According to Rubio, all future foreign assistance will now be run through the State Department, where he claims it will be handled with “accountability, strategy, and efficiency.”
Obama Warns of Long-Term Damage: “Colossal Mistake”
Obama warned the cuts could carry long-term consequences.
“This is a colossal mistake,” he said. “Sooner or later, leaders on both sides will realize how much you’re needed.”
A Clash of Visions: Humanitarian Legacy vs. America First Agenda
At the heart of this showdown lies a clear divide:
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Bush and Obama defend America’s global aid footprint, calling it life-saving and essential.
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Trump, Musk, and Rubio see it as wasteful and outdated, arguing the U.S. should focus its dollars on domestic priorities and national security.
The debate isn’t over. But for USAID, its mission — as it once existed — officially ended on July 1, 2025.
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
