The Daily The Peace Summit in Egypt, and Shutdown Lessons From U.S.A.I.D.
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Oct 14, 2025 
Christopher Flavelle, a reporter for The New York Times focused on the Trump administration, dives into the dramatic U.S. government shutdown and its implications for agency power. He reveals how USAID collapsed under pressure, highlighting key players, questionable evidence, and how public sentiment—including Elon Musk's tweets—accelerated its decline. The conversation also touches on the broader ramifications for global aid and the lessons learned regarding agency governance during crises. Tune in for an intriguing exploration of politics and power dynamics!
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Improvisation Over Grand Strategy
- The collapse of USAID unfolded through improvised actions rather than a master plan.
- Opportunistic individuals seized openings and escalated confrontations into agency destruction.
Confusing First Week At USAID
- Jason Gray, a newly appointed USAID leader, faced a chaotic first week as the administration froze foreign aid.
- His inexperience and the confusing executive order set the stage for aggressive intervention by outside figures.
Pete Morocco's Return And Confrontation
- Pete Morocco reappeared from State Department to challenge USAID spending interpretations and escalate scrutiny.
- He brought the Department of Government Efficiency team that began treating USAID like a violation case.