Former U.S. presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama recently raised concerns about changes to international aid programs under President Donald Trump, particularly the reduction of activities within the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In a video message that also featured Bono, Bush thanked departing USAID staff for their efforts in fighting HIV and AIDS—programs credited with saving millions of lives around the world over the past two decades.

Bush emphasized that humanitarian initiatives like these have a significant global impact and also serve American interests. In a separate message, Obama described the dismantling of USAID as a serious mistake, stressing the importance of its development and relief programs worldwide. Both former presidents suggested that scaling back the agency could weaken diplomacy and humanitarian outreach, adding that future leaders may eventually recognize the value of its work.

The Trump administration, working with Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, moved to sharply reduce USAID’s operations. Officials said the decision was driven by concerns about waste, fraud, and mismanagement within certain programs. As a result, only a small staff remains, with many responsibilities transferred to the United States Department of State.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the shift, arguing that a more streamlined system would better support U.S. priorities. He said future foreign aid efforts will be handled through the State Department, with a stronger focus on accountability, efficiency, and strategic alignment with national interests. The move reflects a broader attempt to reshape how the United States manages and delivers international assistance.