• Bono claimed U.S. foreign aid cuts under the Trump administration may have caused 300,000 deaths, citing research from Boston University, sparking controversy and divided reactions.
• Elon Musk and other Trump supporters dismissed the claims, with Musk calling Bono “a liar/idiot” on X, while liberal advocates and humanitarian experts emphasized the critical role of foreign aid.
• The debate highlights tensions between fiscal conservatism and global humanitarian responsibility, with ongoing legal battles over USAID funding cuts continuing to shape its future impact.

Irish rock star Bono has sparked controversy after claiming that U.S. foreign aid cuts under President Donald Trump’s administration may have caused 300,000 deaths, including 200,000 children. The U2 frontman made the statement during an appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, released Friday, citing research from Boston University. The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Trump supporters, including tech billionaire Elon Musk, while also earning support from some liberal advocates.

Bono’s Claim

During the podcast, Bono said that cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) had led to food supplies rotting in warehouses and ports. “There is 50,000 tons of food stored in Djibouti, South Africa, Dubai, and even Houston, Texas, that is rotting rather than going to Gaza or Sudan,” Bono said, emphasizing the impact on vulnerable populations. He referenced research by infectious disease modeler Brooke Nichols of Boston University, who suggested the cuts could have contributed to 300,000 preventable deaths.

The Trump administration halted much of USAID’s funding early in its second term, citing concerns over waste and inefficiency. Critics argue the cuts disproportionately affected impoverished regions, while supporters defend the move as a cost-saving measure for American taxpayers.

Musk Responds

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Elon Musk, former head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), dismissed Bono’s accusations on X (formerly Twitter). Musk responded to a clip of Bono’s statements shared by conservative commentator Mike Benz, calling the U2 frontman “a liar/idiot.” Musk added, “Zero people have died!”

Benz also criticized Bono’s remarks, claiming the USAID death figures are “faker than their COVID numbers.” Other conservative voices on X echoed Musk’s criticism, with popular commentator Catturd calling Bono a “low IQ moron.”

Divided Reactions

While Bono faced significant backlash from Trump supporters, his comments were welcomed by others, including the liberal “Protect Kamala Harris” X account, which shared a photo of Bono with the caption, “RETWEET if you stand with Bono against Donald Trump!”

Humanitarian experts have also weighed in, with some emphasizing that foreign aid plays a critical role in addressing global hunger and poverty. “The loss of USAID funding has a direct impact on millions of lives,” said Anna Carter, a policy analyst specializing in international development. “Without these programs, food supplies and medical aid are delayed or lost entirely, as we’ve seen in multiple regions.”

USAID: A Political Battleground

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The Trump administration’s attempt to defund and shut down USAID faced significant legal challenges and public scrutiny. Despite the courts blocking a complete shutdown, funding cuts have still limited the agency’s capacity to operate.

On the podcast, Joe Rogan expressed a nuanced view, acknowledging the effectiveness of some aid programs but also criticizing the lack of oversight. “There’s no denying that some of these organizations do tremendous good, but there’s also a lot of money laundering and missing funds,” Rogan said.

What’s Next for USAID?

The future of USAID remains uncertain as legal battles over its funding cuts continue. Advocates for foreign aid stress the need for transparency and efficiency to restore public trust while maintaining essential support for vulnerable populations worldwide.

Bono’s remarks have reignited debate over America’s role in global aid and the ethical implications of cutting such programs. The controversy highlights the tension between fiscal conservatism and humanitarian responsibility, a conflict likely to intensify in the lead-up to future elections.

Readers, what are your thoughts on the USAID funding cuts and Bono’s comments? Share your views below, and don’t forget to Follow The Dupree Report On WhatsApp for the latest news and updates.

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