How misconceptions and woeful PR allowed Musk to shred USAID so easily | Jeremiah A Carew
Summary
In 2025, the U.S. government agency USAID was eliminated after a campaign criticizing it, led by a group called Doge and supported by Elon Musk. The public had little understanding of USAID’s work, unlike NASA, which is widely known and respected. USAID helped address complex global challenges like migration, business development, and peace building, but poor communication contributed to its downfall.Key Facts
- USAID was targeted and dismantled in 2025 by a government group called Doge, following negative descriptions by Elon Musk.
- Elon Musk called USAID a “criminal organisation” and accused it of being run by radical left-marxists.
- NASA remained protected because it has strong public support and a well-known brand.
- Most Americans wrongly think the U.S. spends about 26% of its budget on foreign aid; actually, it is about 1%.
- USAID helped Venezuelan migrants in Colombia get legal residency, job training, and healthcare access.
- The agency supported loans to Colombian businesses that protected the Amazon and encouraged legal crops instead of coca plants used for cocaine.
- USAID was a major donor helping Colombia implement peace after a 50-year civil war, including supporting justice for victims.
- USAID’s work involved complex efforts to promote global security and development, not just simple aid distribution.
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