This was unexpected.
In a dramatic display of political unity, former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama have teamed up to criticize President Donald Trump’s bold overhaul of foreign aid spending, specifically the shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
During an emotional videoconference farewell, both ex-presidents voiced their disapproval of the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate USAID as an independent agency and fold it into the State Department, part of a sweeping effort to reduce government waste and cut taxpayer-funded foreign programs.
Trump Dismantles USAID, Sparks Establishment Outrage
The reorganization was announced in early February as part of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a cost-cutting initiative led by Elon Musk and endorsed by President Trump. According to the White House, the move is intended to put America First, ensuring every tax dollar spent abroad serves U.S. national interests.
President Trump didn’t mince words, calling USAID “a disaster run by radical lunatics.” Musk, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), went even further, calling it “a criminal organization that misused billions.”
USAID staff were reportedly locked out of their offices and dismissed via mass email. Critics called the handling abrupt—but supporters saw it as a long-overdue correction to a bloated bureaucracy.
Obama and Bush Defend Status Quo Globalism
In sharp contrast, Obama called the closure “a colossal mistake,” while Bush defended his foreign HIV/AIDS program, saying, “Is it in our national interest that 25 million people who would have died now live? I think it is, and so do you.”
Globalist voices like Bono, the Irish rock star and longtime USAID supporter, joined the farewell call, choking back tears as he praised the agency’s workers as “the best of us.” Former leaders from Liberia and Colombia, along with U.S. diplomats from the Obama era, also appeared to lament the agency’s end.
USAID: Billions Abroad While Americans Struggle at Home
Founded in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy, USAID spent billions of American taxpayer dollars on foreign programs in health, education, and economic development. But critics say the agency lacked accountability, operated with minimal oversight, and often failed to deliver measurable results.
For decades, foreign governments received U.S. aid even while American veterans, seniors, and rural communities struggled.
Now, under Trump’s America First plan, foreign assistance will fall under stricter control through the State Department, with a new, streamlined initiative expected to launch this week.
New “America First” Aid Policy Prioritizes U.S. Interests
In a statement to the Associated Press, the State Department emphasized that the new approach will include tight oversight, efficiency audits, and clear alignment with U.S. strategic goals. Every dollar spent overseas will now be scrutinized to ensure it serves American citizens—not corrupt regimes or special interests abroad.
This marks a historic realignment of foreign policy priorities, placing American taxpayers, national security, and domestic economic growth above feel-good internationalism.
Conclusion: A Clear Contrast Between Trump and the Old Guard
As President Trump continues to drain the swamp and redirect government resources back to the American people, it’s no surprise that establishment figures like Bush and Obama are protesting.
But for millions of patriotic Americans—especially those who lived through decades of unchecked foreign aid—the decision to rein in global spending and put America first is not only welcome, it’s long overdue.
I’ll take America first. American’s simply can’t afford to support the entire world.
If this continues, America will be forced into Islam and slavery.
President Geo. W. Bush has tucked tail and run. Not only now. He took the liberal view on illegals too. I supposed he needed the labor in his Texas holdings. He showed his true colors when he left the pursuit of ben Laden in Afghanistan to revenge the attempt on his dad’s life. It appeared he milked the 9-11 attacks as revenge action. Voted for him but I watched and saw his turncoat actions since. He is not even a liberal Republican. More like progressive Dem.
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I could care less what a PAST PRESIDENT thinks or says. They are no longer the President so they should keep their opinions to themselves.
Time to rid ourselves of these globalists. They are going to have to answer to the Lord one day and I sure wouldn’t want to be them. All their money and power will be gone and they will be standing in judgment.
I am not surprised. They both hate Trump. Sure am glad I never voted for either of them.
It took real Americans all this time and under Trump’s 2nd administration to finally go after these two crackpot’s administrations. They helped push along failing policies to ruin the US of A. We don’t need their input. They should just retire to the cattle pasture and let the current President fix their messes just like he is doing with Biden. Shame on them…
OBAMA AND BUSH. TWO SLIMY SNAKE OIL SALESMEN. NOT ONE OF THEM WORTH THE POWDER TO SHOOT THEM. ACCOMPLISHMENT ZERO. JUST GOT RICH ON THE AMERICAN WORKERS BACK.
NEVER COMPARE THESE 2 THUGS TO OUR PRESIDENT TRUMP. NEITHER ONE IS FIT TO SHINE TRUMPS SHOES. NOTHING BUT TRAITORS TO OUR NATION. SHAME ON THEM. PLEASE NEVER MENTION THEM OR SHOW THEIR PICTURE. ABOMINATION BOTH OF THEM.