Former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama have again united in criticism of President Donald Trump, this time over sweeping reductions to international aid programs they argue have long served both humanitarian and strategic American interests.
In a recently released video, Bush appeared alongside Obama and Bono to praise staff members departing from United States Agency for International Development after the agency was significantly scaled back earlier this year. Bush has long supported global health initiatives, particularly programs targeting HIV/AIDS in parts of Africa that have been credited with saving tens of millions of lives.
Speaking to the outgoing employees, Bush emphasized the humanitarian impact of their work and the broader role it played in strengthening global stability. He highlighted that programs supported through the agency helped save roughly 25 million people over the past two decades. According to reports, Bush told staff that their efforts reflected “the great strength of America” and asked whether helping millions survive life-threatening diseases served U.S. national interests. In his view, the answer was clearly yes.
Obama delivered a similarly strong message, calling the dismantling of USAID a serious mistake. In remarks shown to employees leaving the agency, he described the cuts as both a tragedy and a blow to some of the most important international work carried out by the United States. Obama predicted that leaders across the political spectrum would eventually recognize the value of the agency’s mission.
The Trump administration, however, framed the decision very differently. Working in partnership with Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, officials moved to dismantle much of USAID’s global infrastructure after investigations reportedly uncovered widespread waste, fraud, and bureaucratic inefficiencies. The agency’s functions were ultimately absorbed by the United States Department of State.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected the criticism from Bush and Obama, arguing that the previous system had produced limited results despite decades of funding. Rubio said USAID had contributed to what he described as a large “NGO industrial complex” financed by American taxpayers while failing to consistently achieve development goals.
According to Rubio, the administration intends to replace that system with a more focused foreign assistance strategy. Programs that align with U.S. policy objectives will continue under the State Department, he said, but with stronger oversight, clearer strategic goals, and greater accountability.
As of July 1, the transition is expected to be complete, marking the formal end of USAID’s role as an independent agency and signaling a major shift in how the United States manages international aid.
