Obama, Bush & Bono Pay Tribute To USAID As Trump Administration Shuts It Down

Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bono sent off U.S. Agency for International Development employees with a tribute video.

The former presidents and lead singer of U2 joined a teleconference call with USAID employees on their final day as an independent agency. They discussed the impact and importance of USAID.

“Gutting USAID is a travesty, and it’s a tragedy,” Obama said.

USAID is being dissolved as a result of President Donald Trump’s efforts to reduce government spending.

Trump has called USAID “corrupt” and “incompetent.” Most experts view the agency as one of the most effective in the U.S. government.

Bush shared similar views to Obama’s on USAID. On the call, he said that USAID’s staff has shown the “strength of America” through the work they’ve done.

Bono referred to the USAID employees as “the best of us.”

USAID was created by former President John Kennedy in 1961 and was codified by Congress in 1998. USAID was responsible for administering foreign aid and development assistance.

With USAID being absorbed into the U.S. State Department, over 83% of the programs it participated in have now been canceled.

“Sooner or later,” Obama said, “leaders on both sides of the aisle will realize how much you are needed.”

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