The Gutting of USAID and Its Global Consequences

Recent scrutiny, notably from John Oliver on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, has focused on the dramatic dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Trump administration. Once lauded as “the world’s single largest humanitarian donor,” USAID faced unprecedented cuts and restructuring, leading to significant repercussions for global health and development initiatives.

A History of Bipartisan Support and Recent Attacks

Established in 1961 by John F. Kennedy, USAID was initially conceived to blend humanitarian aid with the promotion of U.S. Soft power. For decades, the agency enjoyed broad bipartisan support, particularly in responding to international disasters. Although, the Trump administration fundamentally altered USAID’s trajectory. Even as the agency’s focus shifted during Trump’s first term—deprioritizing areas like maternal health and family planning while increasing funding for emergency responses and digital infrastructure—the most significant damage occurred later.

The “Wood Chipper” Cuts and Their Impact

In early 2025, Elon Musk, leading a team dubbed the “Department of Government Efficiency,” initiated sweeping cuts to USAID. Musk publicly announced his intention to drastically reduce the agency’s footprint, with some describing the process as “feeding USAID into the wood chipper.” These cuts resulted in the termination of 83% of USAID programs by March of that year, and placed nearly 10,000 employees on leave. The agency’s website was even taken offline for a period.

Debunking Justifications for Defunding

The Trump administration justified the cuts by alleging waste and abuse within USAID. However, data revealed that 94% of USAID spending had been audited, with only 0.3% identified as problematic. Critics pointed out the irony of these accusations coming from Elon Musk, given concerns about the efficiency and oversight of his own ventures. Despite a stated intention to preserve “life-saving” programs, many essential initiatives were eliminated due to the lack of that specific phrasing in their titles.

The Role of Right-Wing Activism

The drastic shift in USAID policy appears to be linked to the influence of right-wing activist Mike Benz, who criticized the agency on the Joe Rogan podcast in late 2024. Following the episode, Elon Musk extensively amplified Benz’s views on social media, labeling USAID a “viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists who hate America.”

Devastating Consequences: A Rise in Preventable Deaths

The cuts to USAID have had dire consequences, contributing to a significant increase in preventable deaths. Researchers estimate that over 282,000 adults and 518,000 children died in 2025 as a direct result of the agency’s defunding. These deaths are attributed to the demolition of vital programs, including nutrition assistance, global food supply chains, and the closure of over 2,000 health clinics in crisis zones. One example cited was the closure of a health clinic in the Congo, which led to 29 deaths from malnutrition and illness within a month.

A New “America First” Strategy?

In September 2025, the Trump administration announced a new “America first global health strategy” intended to restart some forms of international aid. However, details remain scarce, and the effectiveness of this strategy is uncertain given the loss of expertise, goodwill, and institutional infrastructure within USAID.

The Importance of Remembering USAID’s Legacy

As John Oliver emphasized, it is crucial to remember the damage inflicted upon USAID and to hold those responsible accountable. Despite its imperfections, USAID played a vital role in improving global health and well-being, and its deliberate dismantling represents a man-made disaster with far-reaching consequences.