Reference News Network July 2 report, according to Associated Press June 30 report, in a farewell video released on June 30 addressed to U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) staff, former U.S. President Obama and Bush made rare public criticisms of the Trump administration.
Obama said that the Trump administration's dissolution of USAID was "a big mistake."
June 30 was the last day for this 60-year-old humanitarian and development assistance organization as an independent agency. Secretary of State Rubio has ordered USAID to be merged into the Department of State starting July 1.
In the video, the two former presidents addressed USAID staff, thanking thousands of employees who lost their jobs and lifelong careers.
Obama encouraged them in a statement saying, "Your work is important and will have a significant impact on future generations."
During Trump's second term as president, Obama largely remained quiet, not criticizing the major changes Trump made to projects and priorities of the United States at home and abroad.
Obama said, "Dissolving USAID is a distortion, a tragedy. Because it is one of the most important works done anywhere in the world."
Bush also gave a speech, directly addressing the cutback of a landmark AIDS project. This project was initiated by his Republican administration and is believed to have saved the lives of 25 million people around the world.
Bush told USAID staff, "Through your work, you have shown great American strength, which is your kindness." (Translated by Ma Dan)
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