What a Day - Episode: The True Cost of USAID Cuts Release Date: February 21, 2025 Host: Jane Coaston | Produced by Crooked Media

Introduction

In this episode of What a Day, host Jane Coaston delves deep into the significant ramifications of recent cuts to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The discussion highlights the immediate and long-term impacts on global aid, American businesses, nonprofits, and the dedicated staff within USAID. Additionally, the episode touches on pivotal political events, including the confirmation of Cash Patel as the new FBI Director and Republican Senator Mitch McConnell's announcement of retirement.

USAID Funding Freezes and Immediate Impacts

Executive Order Surge:
The episode opens with Jane Coaston addressing the flurry of executive orders signed by President Donald Trump within his first month in office. Notably, on his first day, Trump signed an order freezing almost all foreign assistance from the U.S. for 90 days, directly impacting USAID.

Legal Challenges and Operational Strain:
USAID contractors have taken legal action, seeking to hold Secretary of State Marco Rubio and USAID leader Peter Maracco in contempt for not lifting the funding freeze as per a judge's order last week. This freeze has already disrupted aid for millions globally and affected numerous American businesses and nonprofits reliant on USAID partnerships.

Impact on USAID Workforce:
The funding cuts have also taken a toll on USAID employees. Mackenzie Knowles Corson, former deputy head of communications in East Africa for USAID, resigned in protest against the administration's dismantling of the agency. During a conversation from Nairobi, Knowles Corson shared harrowing accounts of how the freeze is jeopardizing essential medical treatments.

[02:23] Greg Walters: "If these kids don't get this medication, they will die. There's no other way around it."

Partial Waivers and Continued Struggles:
The State Department has granted waivers for critical programs, including HIV treatment and tuberculosis (TB) prevention. However, despite these waivers, many programs still face shortages, such as antiretrovirals (ARVs) necessary for treating HIV patients. Knowles Corson highlighted the dire situation:

[02:48] Knowles Corson: "They can probably get another few months, but they're not sure what to do after that. And really the damage has already been done on both staff and patients."

Humanitarian Consequences:
Examples of the freeze's impact include HIV-positive individuals desperately seeking medications to survive and TB patients dealing with halted treatment programs. Over 330 lives have reportedly been lost due to the cessation of TB programs alone.

[05:16] Greg Walters: "This program has completely stopped. It's not happening at all... they've had over 330 people die as a result of this stop work order."

Administration’s Justifications and Criticisms

Trump Administration’s Defense:
The State Department claims that many funding cuts target programs related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), gender ideology, and other initiatives they argue do not align with the "America First" agenda. While essential life-saving programs received waivers, organizational rhetoric suggests a broader intent to reshape foreign aid priorities.

Calling for Moral Clarity:
Knowles Corson and Greg Walters emphasize the moral imperative for the U.S. to maintain its commitment to global aid. They argue that cutting foreign assistance not only harms international communities but also undermines America's standing and ability to address global challenges like pandemics and environmental crises.

[06:08] Greg Walters: "This is an existential moment for Americans and America... are we okay with famine? Do we not care when a disaster strikes and millions of people's lives are at risk?"

Political Developments

Confirmation of Cash Patel as FBI Director

Senate Vote Breakdown:
Cash Patel, nominated by President Trump, was confirmed as the new FBI Director by a narrow Senate vote of 51-49. The confirmation process was markedly partisan, with only two Republican senators—Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska—opposing Patel's appointment.

Contentious Confirmation Hearings:
Patel faced intense scrutiny, particularly from Democrats questioning his commitment to impartiality and his connections to conspiracy theorist Stu Peters. During his hearings, Patel declined to categorically state he wouldn't prosecute Trump's political adversaries, raising concerns among his opponents.

[09:15] Jane Coaston: "Kash Patel, mark my words, will cause evil in this building behind us."

Republican Defenders and Democratic Opposition:
While Republicans largely backed Patel, Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse criticized their support, warning of the potential negative impacts of Patel's leadership on the FBI's integrity.

Senator Mitch McConnell’s Retirement Announcement

McConnell's Decision:
On his 83rd birthday, Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky announced he would not seek reelection, marking the end of his extensive tenure in the Senate.

[10:43] Greg Walters: "Representing our commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime. I will not seek this honor."

Legacy and Political Influence:
McConnell, the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, played a pivotal role in shaping the judiciary by blocking Merrick Garland's Supreme Court nomination in 2016 and facilitating Trump's three Supreme Court appointments, solidifying a conservative majority on the bench.

Complex Relationship with Trump:
Despite past collaborations, McConnell distanced himself from Trump following the January 6th Capitol attack, attributing moral responsibility to the former president while still endorsing him for the 2024 race.

Immigration Policy Shifts

End of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians:
The Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately half a million Haitian migrants, reversing Biden-era protections. This move opens the door for potential deportations starting in August, although some migrants may seek alternative protected statuses. Lawsuits are underway challenging these cuts, especially affecting Venezuelan migrants.

Middle East Tensions

Hamas-Israel Ceasefire Violations:
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) accused Hamas of severe violations of the existing ceasefire, citing discrepancies in the remains of hostages returned by Hamas. While Hamas claimed to have returned four bodies, Israeli officials confirmed only three, with one body remaining unaccounted for, exacerbating tensions and casting doubt on the fragile peace agreement set to expire soon.

Exploring Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS)

Origins and Evolution:
Jane Coaston explores the concept of Trump Derangement Syndrome, tracing its roots back to Bush Derangement Syndrome—a term coined by columnist Charles Krautheimer in 2003 to describe overwhelming negative reactions to President George W. Bush's administration.

Modern Interpretation and Critique:
Today's TDS is portrayed as a polarized phenomenon where both staunch supporters and vehement opponents of Trump are labeled as having the syndrome, regardless of their actual viewpoints. Coaston argues that genuine voters exhibit nuanced opinions, often critical of a politician's actions without descending into irrationalism.

[15:04] Greg Walters: "What we are are Americans who generally don't like what a politician is doing and don't like how he's doing it or why."

Media Representation:
The episode critiques how media outlets like Fox News and personalities like Elon Musk and Sean Hannity perpetuate the idea of TDS, often misrepresenting normal political discourse as pathological.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Jane Coaston wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe, leave reviews, and engage with the content. She emphasizes the importance of informed discourse and standing up for meaningful policies, particularly in the face of significant administrative changes like those affecting USAID.

Notable Quotes

• Jane Coaston [00:02]: "This is what a day. The show that did not get invited to celebrate Black History Month at the White House and is actually pretty okay with that."

• Greg Walters [00:42]: "This administration is off to a historic start. The president has already signed 73 executive orders..."

• Knowles Corson [02:23]: "If these kids don't get this medication, they will die. There's no other way around it."

• Greg Walters [02:48]: "They have basically three months of antiretrovirals. They can probably get another few months, but they're not sure what to do after that."

• Greg Walters [10:17]: "And Republicans who vote for him will rue that day."

• Sheldon Whitehouse [09:15]: "Kash Patel, mark my words, will cause evil in this building behind us."

• Greg Walters [10:43]: "Representing our commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime. I will not seek this honor."

• Greg Walters [06:08]: "This is an existential moment for Americans and America..."

Final Notes

What a Day continues to provide insightful analysis on pressing political and social issues. By dissecting the implications of policy changes and political maneuvers, the episode underscores the profound effects these decisions have on both national and global scales.

Produced by Crooked Media. For more episodes and updates, subscribe to What a Day on your preferred podcast platform or visit their YouTube channel.