Bush, Obama, Bono bid farewell to USAID: 'Colossal mistake'
Share and Follow


Former Presidents Obama and George W. Bush, along with U2’s Bono, are reportedly sending off U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) staffers with a poignant video tribute.

The ex-commanders in chief and the “With or Without You” singer appeared via teleconference on Monday to speak with employees on USAID’s final day as an independent agency, The Associated Press reported.

In March, the Trump administration moved to formally end USAID, terminating employees and merging all remaining functions into the State Department beginning on Tuesday. President Trump has accused USAID which was created in 1961 by former President John F. Kennedy and codified by Congress in 1998 of being “incompetent” and “really corrupt.”

Referring to the evisceration of the international agency by the Trump administration as a “colossal mistake,” Obama told staffers in a recorded statement, “Your work has mattered and will matter for generations to come.”

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

“Because it’s some of the most important work happening anywhere in the world,” the 44th president said.

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

In his recorded remarks, Bush credited USAID’s staff with showing “the great strength of America” through their work.

“Is it in our national interests that 25 million people who would have died now live?” Bush asked. “I think it is, and so do you,” he said.

Bono, an international and humanitarian aid advocate who’s been a frequent presence on Capitol Hill over the years, reportedly read a poem he had penned about the moves to dismantle USAID. 

“They called you crooks. When you were the best of us,” the rocker said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Did anyone win the $490M Powerball jackpot? Winning numbers for Monday, Nov. 10

Powerball Jackpot Soars to $512 Million: Check Winning Numbers for November 12

Winning the Powerball jackpot is a daunting challenge, with the probability standing…
The commander who stared down Al Qaeda now has a new mission

Decorated Commander Who Faced Al Qaeda Embarks on a New Challenge

The morning of October 12, 2000, dawned still, hot, and tranquil at…
Golden Bachelor Finale: Mel finds love with Peg

Golden Bachelor Finale Shocker: Mel’s Heartwarming Choice Revealed!

The much-anticipated finale of “Golden Bachelor” in New York was set to…
JSO: Man arrested for crash that killed Jacksonville teacher and his son

JSO: Suspect Apprehended in Fatal Crash Involving Beloved Jacksonville Educator and Son

Authorities have reported that the suspect involved in the crash had a…
University of Iowa conservative group leader defiant after recent table flipping attacks: 'builds character'

University of Iowa Conservative Group Leader Stands Firm After Table-Flipping Attacks: ‘Character Building Experience

A conservative student organization at the University of Iowa remains resolute in…
'People are hurting:' Jacksonville City Council allocates $200K to Feeding Northeast Florida to help tackle food insecurity

Jacksonville City Council Commits $200K to Combat Food Insecurity with Feeding Northeast Florida

The City Council has decided to allocate $200,000 to Feeding Northeast Florida,…
Last-minute addition to Congress spending bill could criminalize THC drinks

Congressional Spending Bill Surprise: Potential Ban on THC-Infused Beverages Looms

Proponents warn that this legislative change could severely impact the burgeoning hemp…
How much you might pay for a 50-year mortgage

Exploring the Costs of a 50-Year Mortgage: What Homebuyers Can Expect to Pay

Amidst ongoing discussions on making home ownership more attainable, a novel idea…