The closure of USAID marks the end of an era in U.S. foreign aid, sparking sharp reactions from both former leaders and cultural figures. Obama and Bush praised the agency’s humanitarian impact, emphasizing the millions of lives saved through its programs. Bono mourned the loss with a poignant poem, warning of widespread suffering as a result. Meanwhile, the Trump administration and Secretary Rubio framed the move as a long-overdue shift toward efficiency, accountability, and prioritizing American interests abroad.
