Podcast Summary: "What Will Be Left Of USAID?"
Podcast Information:
- Title: What A Day
- Host/Author: Crooked Media
- Episode Title: What Will Be Left Of USAID?
- Release Date: February 7, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of What A Day, host Jane Coaston delves into the alarming news surrounding the potential dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Released on February 7, 2025, the episode provides an in-depth analysis of recent developments, featuring an interview with Lindsay Branham, a humanitarian filmmaker with two decades of experience in USAID-funded programs.
USAID Under Threat
The episode opens with Jane Coaston highlighting reports that the Trump administration plans to drastically reduce USAID's workforce from over 10,000 staffers worldwide to a mere 300. This decision, confirmed by multiple news outlets on Thursday, involves putting many USAID employees on paid administrative leave starting Friday night. Although the State Department had not officially confirmed these reports at the time of recording, unease among USAID staffers was palpable.
Jane emphasizes that this move is part of a broader strategy by Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to "put USAID into the wood chipper." According to a New York Times report cited in the podcast, DOGE allies attempted to access Treasury payment systems to halt disbursements to USAID shortly after the inauguration. This action has resulted in the suspension of thousands of projects worldwide, ranging from HIV prevention to child development initiatives.
Notable Quote:
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio told staffers in Guatemala this week that he didn't intend to uproot USAID staffers and their families and asked for patience.”
(Jane Coaston, 00:41)
Interview with Lindsay Branham
To shed light on the ramifications of these cuts, Jane Coaston interviews Lindsay Branham, a seasoned humanitarian filmmaker who has extensively worked on USAID-funded conflict resolution programs.
Lindsay’s Background and USAID’s Impact
Lindsay shares her first experience with USAID at age 24 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where she was involved in food assistance, water and sanitation projects, and supporting vulnerable populations. Over the past 20 years, her work has consistently aligned with USAID’s mission, focusing on violence prevention and conflict resolution across various regions.
Notable Quote:
“The USAID budget overall is about 40 billion, which is less than 1% of the entire federal budget. So that's an immensely small amount when you consider the impact not just globally, but also to secure American interests.”
(Lindsay Branham, 03:14)
Impact of the Funding Freeze
Lindsay details the immediate effects of the funding freeze, recounting how her organization in Brazil received a sudden stop order with little to no context. Projects supporting 12 million young people are jeopardized as teams scramble to secure private funding to continue their vital work. She underscores the broader implications, such as the halt of the President's Malaria Initiative, which benefits 600,000 people annually, and the disruption of essential HIV prevention programs.
Notable Quote:
“There is millions of people whose lives depend on antiretroviral drugs they can't access. Those babies are being born now without the assistance of preventable medication to prevent the contraction of HIV.”
(Lindsay Branham, 04:45)
Broader Reactions and Implications
Lindsay conveys the deep distress among USAID employees and partners, highlighting the potential legal ramifications of halting payments and the overall destabilizing effect on international efforts to combat disease and violence. She argues that the 90-day funding pause appears insincere, given the swift administrative actions that undermine any genuine review process.
Notable Quote:
“The USAID is full of amazing dedicated civil servants that are devastated to see the impact on people that they care about.”
(Lindsay Branham, 05:42)
National Security and Constitutional Concerns
Addressing internal debates within the Democratic Party regarding the importance of defending USAID, Lindsay emphasizes that reducing foreign aid is not merely a budgetary issue but a matter of national security. She warns that dismantling USAID could lead to power vacuums similar to those seen in Afghanistan, exacerbating global security risks and compromising America's ability to manage bio-threats and global health issues.
Notable Quote:
“This is about national security as well. If we pull out of these countries, it's kind of like what happened when the US pulled out of Afghanistan.”
(Lindsay Branham, 07:24)
Resistance and Hope
Despite the grim outlook, Lindsay and her colleagues are organizing grassroots coalitions to oppose the dismantling of USAID. They remain committed to maintaining their global initiatives through alternative funding sources, refusing to accept the administration's attempts to end their crucial work.
Notable Quote:
“Authoritarian rule wins when we bow to that power. And so no, we will continue to do the good work that's expected that we've created relationships all around the world and we won't stand for this.”
(Lindsay Branham, 09:02)
Broader Context: Elon Musk and DOGE
Following the interview, Jane transitions to discussing the broader implications of Elon Musk's involvement through DOGE. She references Steve Bannon's shifting stance from being a critic to a supporter of Musk, highlighting the political maneuvering within the administration to justify the ongoing dismantling of USAID.
Notable Quote:
“He's already identified something we've tried to get rid of for years, the House Freedom Caucus tried to get rid of for years the USAID.”
(Steve Bannon, 11:40)
Jane also touches on concerns regarding DOGE's use of AI to manipulate federal data, raising alarms about potential privacy breaches and the broader strategy to cut federal spending using advanced technologies.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with a stark portrayal of the uncertainty facing USAID and its millions of beneficiaries worldwide. Jane Coaston underscores the critical role USAID plays in global stability and public health, while highlighting the passionate resistance from those within and associated with the agency. The discussions reflect broader themes of governmental efficiency versus compassionate foreign aid, the politicization of international development, and the enduring struggle to maintain essential humanitarian efforts in the face of political upheaval.
Key Takeaways:
- The Trump administration is poised to drastically reduce USAID's workforce from over 10,000 to approximately 300 staffers.
- Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is actively working to dismantle USAID, including attempts to freeze its funding.
- Lindsay Branham, a veteran USAID partner, articulates the severe impact of these cuts on global health and security initiatives.
- The funding pause appears insincere, raising concerns about the future of foreign aid and national security.
- Internal political debates reflect a divided stance on the importance of USAID, with significant opposition to its dismantling.
Notable Quotes:
- “The USAID budget overall is about 40 billion, which is less than 1% of the entire federal budget.” — Lindsay Branham (03:14)
- “There is millions of people whose lives depend on antiretroviral drugs they can't access.” — Lindsay Branham (04:45)
- “This is about national security as well. If we pull out of these countries, it's kind of like what happened when the US pulled out of Afghanistan.” — Lindsay Branham (07:24)
- “Authoritarian rule wins when we bow to that power.” — Lindsay Branham (09:02)
Further Listening
For more insights and updates, subscribe to What A Day on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube. Stay informed with Crooked Media as they continue to cover the pressing issues shaping our world.