THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent
Trump’s Angry Rant at USAID Instantly Undercut by Surprise Rubio Video
Feb 7, 2025
Jeremy Konyndyk, a former senior USAID official and current president of Refugees International, shares insights on Trump's alarming claims against USAID. The discussion dives into Secretary of State Marco Rubio's past support for foreign aid amid the growing rift between his stance and Trump's. Konyndyk highlights the potential humanitarian fallout from reduced funding, the vital role of USAID in global issues, and the worrying trend of diminishing American leadership in international aid. The clash of ideologies between Trump, Rubio, and Musk raises critical questions for the future of democracy.
22:39
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Quick takeaways
- Trump's unfounded accusations against USAID, coupled with Musk's support for dismantling the agency, pose severe threats to global health initiatives.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio faces a challenging contradiction between his advocacy for USAID and the administration's efforts to undermine it.
Deep dives
Trump's Disinformation Campaign Against USAID
Donald Trump launched a campaign against the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), making unfounded claims that billions had been stolen and funneled to pro-Democrat media outlets. This narrative was amplified by Elon Musk, who indicated a willingness to dismantle USAID. The consequences of this disinformation are already visible, such as a disrupted HIV vaccine trial that could have transformed global health. The coordinated attacks have real repercussions not only for people in need of aid but also for America's global standing and humanitarian efforts.
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