Former U.S. Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama joined U2 frontman Bono in a private video conference on Monday to speak with outgoing staff of the U.S. Agency for International Development, as the organization marked its final day operating as an independent federal agency.
The meeting, which was not open to the media, featured emotional remarks, reflections on USAID’s legacy, and criticism of the decision to dismantle the agency’s independent structure. According to footage reviewed by the Associated Press, Obama described the move as “a travesty” and “a colossal mistake.” He praised USAID employees for their global humanitarian contributions and argued that their work represented some of the most meaningful public service efforts in the world. He also expressed confidence that future administrations from both political parties would eventually reassess the decision and recognize the agency’s long-term value.
Bush, who has generally avoided sharp criticism of fellow Republicans since leaving office, focused his comments on global health initiatives launched during his presidency, particularly the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The program has been widely credited with expanding access to HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention and saving millions of lives worldwide. He told staff that their efforts reflected “the great strength of America” and emphasized that humanitarian assistance also serves U.S. national interests by promoting stability and reducing suffering.
Bono, a long-time global humanitarian advocate, delivered a poem during the session and became emotional while addressing staff. He praised USAID workers for their dedication and warned that reductions in aid programs could have severe consequences, including increased hunger, disrupted medical treatment, and setbacks in disease prevention efforts in vulnerable regions.
The U.S. Agency for International Development was originally established in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy to coordinate and deliver U.S. foreign assistance. Over decades, the agency managed large-scale programs in disaster relief, global health, food security, and international development. Supporters credit USAID with helping reduce global disease burdens, responding to humanitarian crises, and strengthening development capacity in low-income countries. Critics, however, have long argued that parts of the agency suffered from bureaucratic inefficiency, inconsistent oversight, and programs they believed did not always align with core U.S. strategic interests.
The restructuring of USAID began after a review by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which at the time involved Elon Musk in a leadership and advisory capacity. Following that review in early 2025, the administration of President Donald Trump moved to significantly reduce the agency’s independence and consolidate its functions within the State Department. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later oversaw the transition process, during which a large portion of contracts and programs were discontinued or restructured.
Officials supporting the changes argued that the reforms were necessary to improve accountability, eliminate waste, and ensure that foreign assistance more directly supported U.S. national interests. They also claimed that certain programs had become overly broad or insufficiently evaluated for effectiveness. Under the new structure, remaining aid functions were integrated into the State Department, with a stronger emphasis on diplomatic priorities.
Critics of the restructuring warned that the reduction of USAID’s independent role could weaken global humanitarian responses and undermine long-standing health and development initiatives. Some public health experts have projected that disruptions to programs addressing HIV, malaria, nutrition, and vaccine access could lead to significant long-term consequences in vulnerable regions.
The farewell gathering underscored a deep divide over the future of American foreign aid. While supporters of the restructuring emphasize efficiency, oversight, and strategic alignment, opponents stress humanitarian responsibility and the historical impact of USAID’s work. The long-term effects of the transition will likely be assessed in the coming years based on global health outcomes and the effectiveness of the restructured aid system.
