The Political Scene | The New Yorker Why Trump Is Targeting Foreign Aid, with Atul Gawande
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Feb 8, 2025 
Atul Gawande, a renowned surgeon and former head of global health at USAID, discusses the alarming dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development by Trump and Musk. He highlights the dire consequences of cutting foreign aid and argues for the critical role of the agency in global health. Gawande reflects on the disconnect between elite expertise and populist sentiment, emphasizing the need for informed discourse in politics. He also explores the complex relationship between despair and hope in democracy, particularly in healthcare initiatives.
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Foreign Aid Freeze Fallout
- Trump's executive order froze foreign aid, causing significant disruption.
- This included halting medical supplies, abandoning patients, and laying off aid workers.
Why USAID Was Targeted
- Foreign aid is often invisible to the public and perceived as a large expenditure.
- USAID staff, including contractors with specialized expertise, are vulnerable to dismissal.
Making the Common Good Concrete
- Making complex issues concrete involves setting ambitious, achievable goals.
- Examples include eradicating diseases and establishing primary healthcare systems.
