Former USAID leader reflects on agency's demise and the public's misconceptions
The opinion piece argues that USAID was easily eliminated because the American public had little understanding of its work. It notes that many overestimate the share of the federal budget spent on foreign aid, thinking it's about 26% when it's actually about 1%. The author contrasts USAID's poor public image with NASA's strong brand recognition.
The article cites a Kaiser Family Foundation survey from March 2025 showing that 86% of American adults believe foreign aid consumes roughly 26% of the federal budget, when the actual figure is about 1%. This perception gap, the author argues, left USAID vulnerable to political attacks and dismantling efforts.
Drawing on his time as deputy director of the USAID mission in Colombia from 2021 to 2025, the author describes programs that helped Venezuelan migrants obtain legal residency, guaranteed loans for businesses promoting sustainable Amazon products like açaí, and supported implementation of Colombia's 2016 peace accord. These initiatives, he contends, were largely invisible to American taxpayers.
This reflection could influence how government agencies approach public communications and branding in the future. If agencies with strong public recognition, like NASA, are seen as more protected from budget cuts, other federal programs may invest more heavily in public outreach and storytelling. The piece may also reinforce ongoing debates about government efficiency and the importance of civic education regarding federal spending priorities.