G W Bush Teams With Democrats To Denounce
Bush and Obama Unite to Defend USAID
Former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama joined forces with U2’s Bono to condemn Donald Trump’s shutdown of the U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID).
The two praised departing employees whose HIV/AIDS work in Africa “saved more than 25 million lives.”
Bush said, “You have shown the great strength of America through your efforts — and that is your compassionate spirit.”
Criticism of Trump’s Decision
Obama called dismantling USAID “a disgrace and a calamity,” arguing it erases vital global work.
The agency’s functions are now folded into the State Department under Secretary Marco Rubio,
who insists the move is about “efficiency,” not abandonment.
Differing Views
Rubio said USAID fostered “a global NGO industrial complex,”
while Elon Musk labeled it “a viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists.”
Supporters of the closure claim it will cut waste; critics warn it weakens U.S. influence.
A Rare Moment of Unity
Bono described USAID as “a quiet army of compassion.”
Bush added, “Our compassion isn’t weakness. It’s strength.”
Their joint stand reflected a shared belief that true American power lies in generosity, not just might.
