Whistleblower Exposes Chaotic Dismantling of USAID Under Trump

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In his new book 'Into the Wood Chipper,' former USAID officer Nicholas Enrich provides a firsthand account of the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in 2025. Enrich, who was thrust into a leadership role at the agency during this tumultuous period, describes the chaos, inefficiency, and ideological zeal that led to USAID's effective shutdown, hampering critical global health initiatives and emergency response efforts around the world.

Why it matters

USAID has long been a key part of America's diplomatic and humanitarian efforts globally, managing programs that address issues like HIV/AIDS, food insecurity, and disaster relief. Enrich's account sheds light on how the Trump administration's hostility toward career civil servants and distrust of multilateral institutions led to the dismantling of this important agency, with potentially devastating consequences for vulnerable populations around the world.

The details

After Trump signed an executive order halting all of USAID's programming on Inauguration Day 2025, the agency rapidly descended into disarray. Perishable food and medical supplies were left undelivered, clinical trials were interrupted, and contractors worldwide were unable to meet payroll. Meanwhile, new Trump-appointed leadership prohibited external communications, leaving career staff powerless to explain the situation. Enrich found himself unexpectedly leading USAID's global health efforts as Gen-Z investigators from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) scoured the agency for evidence of disloyalty. The goal, Enrich realized, was not 'reevaluation' but the complete elimination of USAID, with some political appointees even expressing glee at the 'carnage'.

• On Inauguration Day 2025, Trump signed an executive order halting all of USAID's programming.
• In early February 2025, Elon Musk, the new head of DOGE, wrote on X that 'We spent the weekend feeding USAID into the wood chipper.'

What they’re saying

What’s next

Enrich's detailed whistleblower account and congressional testimony have sparked widespread outrage and calls for investigations into the Trump administration's dismantling of USAID. The future of the agency remains uncertain, but Enrich hopes his book will serve as a warning and a guide for others who may face similar challenges in standing up to political interference.