Former USAID head grieves its closure while hoping for its future

Former USAID Head Reflects on Agency's Closure and Enduring Impact

A Legacy Interrupted

Former USAID head grieves its closure - On the final day of her tenure as USAID's administrator in January 2025, Samantha Power left the Washington, D.C. headquarters with no prior indication of the agency's impending closure. At the time, she could not have foreseen the dramatic shift that would soon unfold, as the Trump administration swiftly halted U.S. foreign assistance and initiated the dismantling of the organization she had led during the Biden era.

Within days of Power’s departure, the new administration imposed a stop-work order on all international programs, effectively freezing operations. This included vital initiatives like emergency relief efforts, which had been critical in addressing crises across continents. The abrupt halt sent shockwaves through the global workforce, leaving thousands of employees grappling with uncertainty and the collapse of a decades-old institution.

"I was as shocked as I was horrified," Power recounted in an NPR interview. "I could not believe in the first instance that any human would suspend assistance, particularly life-saving assistance, without considering the human consequences or providing time for people to adapt."

A Mini Cataclysm for 15,000 Workers

Power became the final confirmed leader of the 64-year-old USAID, which was formally shut down in July 2025. The agency had employed approximately 15,000 individuals worldwide, overseeing programs that tackled disease outbreaks, poverty alleviation, and humanitarian aid. By the time the shutdown was finalized, most of these initiatives had been disbanded, and only a small number of former staff remained within the State Department.

For Power, the closure was more than an administrative change—it marked the end of an era. She described the process as a "prolonged grieving period" for those who had dedicated their careers to the agency’s mission. The emotional toll on employees was immense, with many facing sudden job losses and the stress of supporting families without steady income.

A Year of Reflection and Resilience

One year after the agency's dissolution, Power continues to process the loss and the implications of its demise. She remains deeply critical of the Trump administration’s approach, which she views as deliberate and callous. "It was so cruel, and it was as if cruelty was the point," she said, emphasizing the personal and professional devastation experienced by staff.

Power’s frustration is compounded by the realization that the agency’s closure disrupted long-term efforts to combat global challenges. She highlighted the impact on programs like Power Africa, which had successfully provided electricity to 150 million people. Without U.S. funding, these initiatives faltered, leaving communities in the dark and undermining progress.

When asked about the Trump administration’s intentions for USAID, Power explained, "I did what so many did—appealed to the Republicans in Congress, who were close to the President and had long supported USAID. At first, they worked with me to restart the program and secure a waiver, but eventually, they aligned with the administration’s goals, prioritizing political alignment over the agency’s mission."

Global Consequences of a Local Decision

Power also reflected on how the agency’s shutdown reverberated globally. She pointed to the ripple effects of losing U.S.-funded election monitors, which had played a key role in upholding democratic processes in regions facing political instability. "Without these monitors, we risk losing the ability to track democratic trends, especially as AI-driven job displacement threatens livelihoods," she noted.

Additionally, the withdrawal of funding from anti-corruption organizations highlighted a broader concern. "When we shut down civil society groups that hold governments accountable, we lose tools that will have long-term consequences," Power warned. "These groups are not just about immediate impact—they’re about shaping systems and ensuring transparency for generations."

Despite the challenges, Power acknowledges that aid groups and NGOs have adapted. "Even as the agency disappeared, the spirit of the work endured," she said. However, she stresses that the loss of USAID is a significant setback. "The agency was more than a bureaucracy—it was a symbol of American commitment to global progress. Its absence leaves a void that can’t be easily filled."

Hope for a Rebirth

Yet, Power remains optimistic. She believes there is still bipartisan support for foreign aid in Washington, suggesting that the agency could be reestablished in the future. "The foundation of USAID’s work is strong, and its mission resonates with people across the political spectrum," she argued. "As long as there are leaders who value its role, the agency will find a way to return."

Her hope is rooted in the recognition that USAID’s contributions—ranging from maternal health programs to climate resilience efforts—have shaped the world for decades. "To end an agency that has fought disease, poverty, and injustice for 64 years is to sever a vital link in the chain of global progress," she said. "But as long as the need exists, so will the will to rebuild it."

As the world continues to grapple with crises that demand international cooperation, Power’s words serve as a reminder of USAID’s significance. While the Trump administration’s actions may have marked its decline, the agency’s legacy and the resilience of its staff offer a glimpse of potential revival. For now, Power remains a voice of both sorrow and determination, advocating for the revival of an institution that once stood as a beacon of global impact.

This interview has been condensed for clarity and brevity.