Samantha Power: USAID Shutdown Is Devastating for America’s Reputation as a Country that Keeps Its Word

EXCERPT:

POWER: “It is just devastating for American interests. It's devastating for America's reputation as a country that keeps its word. And in terms of the USAID employees, I know because I left on January 20th, they were eager to serve. They served under the previous Trump administration. They stayed. That administration did great good in the world with broad bipartisan support. And now what is so stunning to them is that they are being attacked and disowned by their own government. These are people, Andrea, who didn't come to USAID for the money. They came because they were trying to improve the world and advance America's interests internationally. Many of the people being recalled from overseas don't have homes in the United States to come back to. They have kids who've been enrolled in school. They've put their lives on the line. About 70 percent of USAID missions are in conflict or crisis areas. So these are not easy places to work.”