Defunded: The Public Health Cost of Killing USAID

For more than 60 years, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) quietly did the kind of public health work that actually saves lives. Founded in 1961, USAID supported global programs that reduced maternal and child mortality, prevented infectious diseases, and improved access to clean water and basic care. All of this cost Americans $24 per person per year. 

Then, in 2025, it was dismantled almost overnight. Under the Trump administration, foreign aid was frozen under claims of “waste, fraud, and abuse,” unleashing chaos instead: stranded food aid, sudden medication shortages, and a flood of misinformation about what USAID even did. By July 2025, the agency was officially shut down and folded into the State Department.

Public health experts now estimate hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths,  with more expected as the ripple effects grow. The most frustrating part is that most Americans will never see these consequences firsthand—which makes it easier not to care.

In this episode, we break down what USAID was, why it mattered, and why letting prevention die quietly might be the most dangerous policy choice of all.

RECALLS:

Genova (Tri-Union Seafoods) - Yellowfin Tuna - (Clostridium botulinum) (more info)

• Meijer – IL, IN, KY, MI, OH, WI
• Giant Foods – MD, VA
• Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions – CA

Superfoods Inc - Live It Up: Super Greens Original and Wild Berry Flavored pouches and packs (Salmonella) (more info)

• Sold nationwide including US, Puerto Rico, Guam and Virgin Islands

Diva Fam Inc - Sea Moss Gel (Superfood product) - Botulism. Distributed online nationwide. (more info)

Primavera Nuevo tamales, various flavors (more info) - listeria 

Klong Kone Shrimp Paste, sold exclusively at Golden Land in Des Moines, IA and Terri Lee Oriental Groceries in Maywood, NJ (more info) - lead contamination

Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar - Salmonella (more info)

Grated Pecorino Romano (Under multiple brands including Boars Head) - listeria (impacting 20 states and commonly bought brands) (check this list)

ByHeart Infant Formula due to potential botulism contamination (