About 10 years ago, a friend of mine in the Obama White House recommended me for the job of communications director for the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID. I went through a series of interviews to the final round, and unfortunately, they went with someone else; however, during the process, I learned a great deal about the valuable work USAID does and the people who work there.
Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter.
I remember walking into the room where I had my first interview and how much energy there was. Furthermore, everyone worked alongside each other. Offices were sparse. I had an office in my corporate job, but had I been hired there, I would have had a simple desk. I would also have to take about a 50 percent cut in pay at the time.
The people who work there are devoted to doing good and helping those less fortunate. They are true patriots, furthering the causes of humanitarian aid as well as American democracy. The organization is like no other within the government, even though it is — or was — separated from the government. It made the agency more agile to deliver help quickly if needed.
Despite not getting that job — life takes you where you need to go, I suppose — I have held a special place in my heart for USAID. Around the same time, I interviewed for the vice president of public relations job for the American Red Cross. The money was far better — and I would have had an office — but it was all for null. I didn’t get that job either.
I licked my wounds for sure, but I was mostly disappointed with not getting the USAID job. I recall having a discussion with Dr. Anthony Fauci about PEPFAR and noting that that lifesaving program was administered in some part by USAID and how, yet again, I came to appreciate even more its exemplary work.
The recent moves to dismantle USAID by the Trump administration, spearheaded by Elon Musk, a very unhumanitarian billionaire who is an adviser to an equally unhumanitarian madman, Donald Trump, have been appalling. Musk’s efforts are not only reckless but border on criminal negligence.
At first, when I read the news about Musk screwing around with USAID, I admit to being somewhat baffled. Does Musk realize that this incredible organization also has a national security role since it works in some parts of the world to reinforce democracy? And then I had my answer. Musk and Trump are out to destroy democracy, and so it’s only fitting that USAID is in their crosshairs.
Further, because it works in remote areas and in places of the world that are inhospitable to marginalized people, USAID is a staunch promoter of DEI programs, and that was probably what did the agency in in Musk and Trump’s narrow minds.
On Wednesday, it was reported that USAID workers all over the world were put on leave. That goes beyond the pale of shocking and criminal. These selfless workers are saving lives, and taking them away from their jobs and their posts will endanger lives. Musk and Trump will have blood on their hands.
The other thing that stood out was their ignorance. It’s said that Musk gets his news on Twitter (or X, which I can’t bring myself to call it) from the rich and out-of-touch white men he follows. So presumably, he heard that USAID was all about DEI and went after it without a thought to its luminous and lifesaving history.
Critics argue that Musk's push to shut down USAID is driven by a desire to cut government spending, but this perspective is dangerously shortsighted. Just like Musk and his crew of four barely 20-year-olds who have no sense of history or purpose.
USAID has been a cornerstone of American foreign policy since its establishment in 1961, providing essential aid to underdeveloped nations and marginalized communities worldwide. Its abrupt termination threatens to unravel decades of progress in global health, human rights, and economic development.
Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has aggressively targeted USAID, accusing it of corruption and inefficiency. That would be the antithesis of everything that organization stands for — it is in places in the world where there is rampant corruption (well, I guess that includes the U.S. now).
This culminated in the closure of USAID's Washington, D.C., headquarters and a freeze on foreign assistance programs. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assumed control, indicating a potential absorption of USAID into the State Department. And if that happens, then USAID loses its veracity and tenacity to parachute in when help is needed most.
Protestors gather outside of USAID headquarters on February 03, 2025 in Washington, DC. Elon Musk, tech billionaire and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), said in a social media post that he and U.S. President Donald Trump will shut down the foreign assistance agency.Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images
These actions have led to significant layoffs and furloughs, halting thousands of programs that provide lifesaving assistance globally. I’m imagining that office I visited, crammed with people working eagerly as teams to get the job done. It’s empty now, and that’s beyond a crime.
While our democracy shutters its doors here at home, removing the support of USAID around the world will have a chilling effect on democracy globally. When these programs cease to exist in parts of the world that are left vulnerable, our adversaries, namely China, can step right in and replace echoes of democracy with the chill of authoritarianism.
Of course, Trump and Musk wouldn’t understand this scenario since they have no sense of history. And why wouldn’t they pull the rug out from under USAID. Their disrespect for democracy matches the detest they have for marginalized communities, those who suffer and go hungry, and anyone who might be from “s**thole countries” that Trump loathes.
The cost of foreign aid is minimal compared to the benefits it provides in terms of global stability and the prevention of crises that can have far-reaching consequences, including those that directly affect the United States. But Musk is obtuse about helping anyone dealing with a crisis, because when you’re the richest man in the world, why would you even acknowledge anyone who has nothing?
The actions taken against USAID by Trump and Musk are not just policy decisions; they are a betrayal of the values that have long defined America's role in the world. By dismantling an agency that provides hope and assistance to the most vulnerable, they are turning their backs on the principles of compassion and leadership. This is not just misguided, it is morally reprehensible. And come to think of it, so are Trump and Musk.
Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit Advocate.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists, and editors, and do not directly represent the views of The Advocate or our parent company, equalpride.
Protestors gather outside of USAID headquarters on February 03, 2025 in Washington, DC. Elon Musk, tech billionaire and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), said in a social media post that he and U.S. President Donald Trump will shut down the foreign assistance agency.Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images
