In a rare display of bipartisan unity, former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, along with U2 frontman Bono, came together to commend the outgoing staff members of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on their last day. The agency, which has been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign aid efforts for decades, is set to be dismantled under the Trump administration’s budget cuts and restructuring.
Bush and Obama, who served as presidents from different political parties, both expressed their disappointment at the gutting of USAID, highlighting the agency’s vital role in promoting democracy, human rights, and development around the world. Bono, known for his humanitarian work, joined the former presidents in criticizing the decision to dismantle USAID, emphasizing the impact it would have on vulnerable populations globally.
The closure of USAID comes at a time when the world is facing numerous humanitarian crises, from the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change-induced disasters. The agency’s shutdown is estimated to cost over $6 billion, according to internal estimates, raising concerns about the potential consequences for ongoing aid programs and partnerships.
While the Trump administration defended its decision to restructure USAID as part of its broader foreign policy agenda, the move has drawn widespread criticism from across the political spectrum. Obama described the closure of USAID as a “travesty,” warning of the dire consequences it could have on global stability and security.
As the USAID staff members bid farewell to their roles, the outpouring of support from Bush, Obama, and Bono serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation and humanitarian assistance in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. Their joint statement underscores the need for continued support for aid organizations and programs that work to promote peace, prosperity, and human dignity worldwide.
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References:
– The New York Times: [Bush, Obama and Bono Commend USAID Staff Members on Their Last Day](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/30/us/politics/usaid-staff-obama-bush-bono.html)
– CNN: [Bush and Obama fault Trump’s gutting of USAID on agency’s last day](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMib0FVX3lxTE5URFVLUkJwcGUyOU1WV1o3MjBPTUU1dTZITlhIT1IzcGJqa3cxMTdQa3M4NkZ4dnY3emhCbHZkcjFYLW13MnBqQmg5b2lLNXJXZVdpXzU0bzl4cFMzSmFaUF9LNllXTkZpWjU0dWdFQdIBdEFVX3lxTE1zOUg1eFJLWllEMWtHNWNueTBNSlB6OEFJcUdiZGQ5WXFPWWpfTmsyT2JocEdEeU1DVjlOMFh4T3phd2RmU2luSDM1YmYxZ1lpakFlem5mNFJ2MEgtNTI2NmFMWWZWaU9zbGtueTBlQmpybEY2)
– AP News: [Bush, Obama — and singer Bono — fault Trump’s gutting of USAID on agency’s last day](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMikAFBVV95cUxPOExpZW5Zel9SckhmTGVLZkV0VGVxdktSX2JjeVc0N0tYcUhfVy1QNDRNRWlkcmNEb3FTdmVQUjBwVlExQWlhOUVsbnVYN2xPM1VQVE5KR01mR0UtTUoyTy1IcjFmM0gtWlNSNnl2Q1JVZENQdHVvZHJRN0xva3JrM3g2ek5qSUhXcXVaNnFJaW8)
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