Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who served as USAID’s acting administrator during its final weeks, confirmed that the State Department would now manage all foreign aid programs. He described USAID’s legacy as “largely inefficient,” claiming development objectives were often unmet and anti-American sentiment had grown. “This era of government-sanctioned inefficiency has officially come to an end,” Rubio said, emphasizing that foreign assistance would now prioritize U.S. national interests.
Under the Trump administration, USAID programs were slated to cease implementing foreign aid as of July 1, with future efforts delivered under tighter oversight by the State Department. Trump has repeatedly praised DOGE for identifying billions in federal waste, citing spending on initiatives he described as questionable, including diversity programs and foreign social projects.
Despite these measures, Obama, Bush, and Bono’s remarks highlighted the human cost of the closure. While the administration focused on efficiency and accountability, the former presidents and the musician emphasized that the agency’s work had directly saved millions of lives and provided critical support worldwide. The closure of USAID marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign aid policy, leaving questions about the impact on vulnerable communities abroad.
