Obama and Bush Team Up To Shred Trump Over USAID - Bulwark Takes

Summary5 min read

Bulwark Takes: Detailed Summary of "Obama and Bush Team Up To Shred Trump Over USAID"

Episode Information

Title: Obama and Bush Team Up To Shred Trump Over USAID
Host: The Bulwark (Tim Miller)
Release Date: July 2, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Bulwark Takes, host Tim Miller delves into the significant and unprecedented collaboration between former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush as they publicly criticize the Trump administration's decision to shutter the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Released on July 2, 2025, the episode explores the implications of this political move, the bipartisan support for USAID, and the broader impact on global humanitarian efforts.

Overview of USAID Closure

Tim Miller opens the discussion by highlighting the recent and consequential decision by the Trump administration to close USAID. He underscores the magnitude of this action, emphasizing that USAID's termination is a pivotal story that demands attention amidst the ongoing political discourse surrounding the reconciliation bill in Congress.

“In the rush of everything around the reconciliation bill over in Congress, we haven't had a chance to talk about USAID being officially shuttered. And that is such a massive story...” (00:35)

Obama and Bush's Joint Criticism

A focal point of the episode is the rare joint statement from former Presidents Obama and Bush. Both leaders expressed strong disapproval of the Trump administration's decision, a move that Tim notes is significant given their previous hesitance to publicly critique opposing party members.

“When Obama and Bush team up to put together a video shitting on Trump, I mean, I do think that really tells you something...” (00:50)

Tim acknowledges the historical reluctance of former presidents to interfere in current political battles but commends Obama and Bush for stepping forward in this instance, particularly highlighting Bush's active participation despite traditionally low involvement post-presidency.

“Trump is a different animal though. And I think the moment has called for more, particularly from George W. Bush since this is his party.” (02:05)

Impact on USAID and Global Humanitarian Efforts

The episode delves into the critical role USAID has played in global health and economic initiatives. Tim references an interview with journalist Nick Kristof, who provided harrowing accounts of the consequences of USAID's closure in Africa and other regions. The cessation of USAID's operations has led to dire shortages of life-saving medicines and nutrition, exacerbating suffering among some of the world's most vulnerable populations.

“Nick is unbelievable and his reporting is unbelievable. And I've been reading even more stories since I talked to Nick just because I don't want to ignore it.” (03:00)

Tim passionately argues that the shutdown of USAID undermines the United States' commitment to humanitarian aid and global economic stability. He criticizes the administration's rationale, which cited budget control and government efficiency, as contradictory to the life-saving mission of USAID.

“They are simultaneously, as they're passing this budget busting bill, like in the name of government efficiency and cutting government budgets, they are getting rid of this program that's a minuscule part of the budget that would actually save the lives of the poorest people in the world.” (04:20)

Tim Miller’s Analysis and Insights

Tim reflects on the bipartisan nature of USAID, noting that it transcended political divides by focusing on tangible, impactful work. He laments the administration's seemingly arbitrary decision to eliminate such a crucial agency.

“It was bipartisan. And it was the type of work that people could do to feel good about themselves, to feel fulfilled and to just gut it willy nilly, to close it, shutter it willy nilly. It's just sick.” (05:10)

While former President Obama remains cautiously optimistic that future leaders will recognize the value of USAID, Tim expresses skepticism about this hope.

“He also noted that it didn't just save lives, it helped global economic growth...and that's something that we've seen significantly over the past decades.” (05:45)

Tim also highlights former President Bush's poignant remarks on the personal and global impact of USAID's work.

“Is it in our national interest that 25 million people who would have died now live? I think it is and so do you.” (06:15)

Call to Action and Conclusion

Towards the end of the episode, Tim emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the ramifications of USAID's closure. He encourages listeners to share Nick Kristof's reporting and the joint statements from Obama and Bush with friends and family, particularly targeting those who may not be deeply engaged in partisan politics but are moved by humanitarian concerns.

“Maybe that will have an impact, maybe it won't. Don't do it. Don't do it to, like, piss somebody off. Right? I'm not talking about getting in a fight... Perhaps that can resonate with them and hopefully maybe George W. Bush and Barack Obama can help it break through.” (07:30)

Tim concludes by reiterating his support for Obama and Bush's stand against the administration's policies and urges continued discourse as the situation develops.

“Subscribe to our feed. We'll be back here with more as news develops. See you soon.” (08:00)

Key Takeaways:

The Trump administration's closure of USAID has sparked bipartisan criticism from former Presidents Obama and Bush.
USAID's termination poses severe humanitarian and economic repercussions globally, particularly in Africa.
Tim Miller emphasizes the need for continued advocacy and awareness to counteract the administration's policies.
The episode underscores the importance of bipartisan support for agencies like USAID that have tangible, life-saving impacts.

Notable Quotes:

“When Obama and Bush team up to put together a video shitting on Trump, I mean, I do think that really tells you something...” – Tim Miller (00:50)
“Is it in our national interest that 25 million people who would have died now live? I think it is and so do you.” – Former President George W. Bush (06:15)
“Gutting USAID is a travesty and it's a tragedy. It's some of the most important work happening anywhere in the world.” – Former President Barack Obama (05:30)

This episode of Bulwark Takes serves as a crucial examination of the political dynamics surrounding USAID's closure and highlights the significant consequences of such decisions on both national and global scales. Through insightful analysis and powerful testimonials from respected leaders, Tim Miller provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the issue and calls for proactive engagement to address the resulting humanitarian challenges.

Loading summary

Transcript2 lines

[00:01]
A
Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24,7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.
[00:30]
B
Hey everybody. Tim O from the Bulwark here. In the rush of everything around the reconciliation bill over in Congress, we haven't had a chance to talk about USAID being officially shuttered. And that is such a massive story that on Monday, Barack Obama and George W. Bush delivered a rare joint open criticism and attack on the Trump administration with regards to their shuttering of usaid. So when Obama and Bush team up to put together a video shitting on Trump, I mean, I do think that really tells you something because both of them have been in ways that I've critiqued at some point, particularly Bush, really quiet. There's a lot of things have gone wrong in the country and I guess before I get into the USAID thing, I'll just hit that head on. I understand the impulse of former presidents to not want to meddle. I do. I understand George W. Bush's view, who didn't even Clinton wasn't that active, but he didn't love that Clinton would be critiquing him at the same time. He didn't want to do that to Obama. I think there's something to be said for that. Trump is a different animal though. And I think the moment has called for more, particularly from George W. Bush since this is his party. And so I do want to give them credit when they speak out. And we did the interview with Nick Kristof that just talked about all the harm and he told these horror stories of his visit to Africa. Do check that out on this feed because Nick is unbelievable and his reporting is unbelievable. And I've been reading even more stories since I talked to Nick just because I'm, you know, because I don't want to ignore it. I want to feel it. Like I want people to understand and feel the real loss that we have caused, that our country has caused, that Donald Trump and Elon Musk have caused the pain and the suffering of these little babies in Africa and elsewhere that don't have access to life saving medicines, don't have access to the nutrition they need when we can give it to them when we have it. And we're just not in the name of some, I guess, idea that we want to, you know, whatever, get the budget under control and not support the communist deep state. It just doesn't even make any sense. They're simultaneously, as they're passing this budget busting bill, like in the name of government efficiency and cutting government budgets, they are getting rid of this program that's a minuscule part of the budget that would actually save the lives of the poorest people in the world. It's tough. So what we had. I want to talk to you about what happened here. So the former presidents, with Bono, spoke with thousands in the USAID community, which I think is nice, at a video conference. The remarks were, according to the Associated Press, angry and teary. The two former presidents expressed their appreciation for USAID staffers who lost their job and their life's work. Obama said, quote, your work has mattered and will matter for generations to come. And that's again, there's so much the government does that is amorphous and hard to grab and even wasteful at times. We can be honest. Like this program, USAID was tangible. It was us doing the right thing. It was us helping people and saving people. It was bipartisan. And it was the type of work that people could do to feel good about themselves, to feel fulfilled and to just gut it willy nilly, to close it, shutter it willy nilly. It's just sick. Here's more from Obama. Gutting USAID is a travesty and it's a tragedy. It's some of the most important work happening anywhere in the world. He also noted that it didn't just save lives, it helped global economic growth, which is something that we've seen significantly over the past decades. And then Obama says something I guess I disagree with. He says, sooner or later, leaders on both sides of the aisle will realize how much you are needed. I hope that's true, but I don't believe it to be true. As for President Bush's comments, former President Bush, he said, you've showed the great strength of America through your work and that is your good heart. He also asked this rhetorical question, is it in our national interest that 25 million people who would have died now live? I think it is and so do you. He's now talking about the past work of USAID and all of the lives that have been saved. So good. Good for Barack Obama. Good for George W. Bush. I, I would like to see more. I, I said This. I said this publicly. I don't think so. I. When I was doing the Kristoff interview, you know, sometimes in these conversations, I try. I try to entertain y' all. You. You know, sometimes I, like, try to just let it rip and, And. And let you guys feel my anger. And sometimes it's fun to mock and point at the Republicans because I do think withering mockery is sometimes called for. But, you know, that stuff I don't think lands with, like, people that like Trump or that are not as engaged in partisan politics. And so when I was talking to Kristof, I tried very hard to do an interview that you could share, that people could share with their Republican friends and just say, can you really be for this? Because I don't think. I mean, I think that there are obviously plenty of Republicans that are for it, but there is a big category of people that don't want African babies to die for no reason. I believe that. I think that this is a. That we have. The country has a lot of problems, and we have a lot of sinners, and we have a lot of people here that I think are cruel. And I've been disappointed by my fellow Americans in many ways. But I just know that there's another category of people that have gone along with Trump for economic reasons that can be moved by this stuff. And I think we need to continue to try. So I hope that Barack Obama and George W. Bush continue to speak up about this. Um, if you have somebody in your life, do you think fits that category, I'd encourage you to share the Nick Kristoff podcast with them or find a clip from it to share it with them. Maybe that will have an impact, maybe it won't. Don't do it. Don't do it to, like, piss somebody off. Right? I'm not talking about getting in a fight. Don't pick some fight. You know, don't try to virtue signal to your friend. You always argue with about maga. I'm talking about people that aren't as engaged. If you're somebody in your life that a younger person or something that's not as engaged in politics and doesn't really know what's happening, maybe. Maybe that can resonate with them and hopefully maybe George W. Bush and Barack Obama can help it break through. So, anyway, there's that. Wanted to credit them for speaking out on this and make sure that you all saw that. Subscribe to our feed. We'll be back here with more as news develops. See you soon.