Obama slams Trump's USAID suspension as "foreign policy mistake"
His remarks come as diplomatic and humanitarian circles express growing concern over the ramifications of this policy shift.
Former US President Barack Obama has broken his silence over Trump's decision to suspend the USAID describing it as a profound foreign policy mistake.
While retweeting a news article by The New York Times on Friday, Obama encouraged Congress to resist the move which according to him would dismantle an organisation that has been at the forefront of promoting global goodwill for decades.
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"USAID has been fighting disease, feeding children, and promoting goodwill around the world for six decades. As such, dismantling this agency would be a profound foreign policy mistake - one that Congress should resist," noted the 44th American President.
His remarks come as diplomatic and humanitarian circles express growing concern over the ramifications of this policy shift.
Barely a week ago, the United Nations joined the chorus of dissent, with Secretary-General António Guterres issuing a plea for the U.S. government to consider "additional exemptions" to the 90-day aid suspension.
"The UN is particularly worried about the impact on vulnerable communities that depend on critical development and humanitarian activities," stated Guterres.
Constructive dialogue
He however also expressed hope for constructive dialogue with the Trump administration to ensure that essential aid efforts continue.
"The United States is one of the largest aid providers, and it is vital that we work constructively to jointly shape a strategic path forward," he said
Trump's decision has also prompted criticism from notable figures in both military and humanitarian sectors.
Other notable figures who have condemned the move include Former commander of U.S. Central Command Anthony Zinni and Former Head of USAID's Africa Bureau Kate Almquist Knopf
Zinni, who is also co-chair of the council of nearly 270 retired admirals and generals, warned that the freeze "takes the U.S. off the playing field" and could directly affect U.S. military operations overseas.
On her part, Kate termed the move as inconsiderate, unprecedented and one that bears a significant impact on thousands of vulnerable lives globally. She also spoke on comments that were made by Billionaire Elon Musk who said that he had agreed with Trump to shut down USAID.
"According to the Foreign Assistant Act, only Congress can change a Federal Statute. As such it is highly controversial what the Trump administration is trying to do through an executive order," she said.
According to The UN, The U.S. government, which disbursed approximately $72 billion in foreign assistance in 2023, has been a cornerstone of international aid. reportedly accounting for over 40 per cent of the UN's humanitarian aid in 2024 alone.
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