Jeremy Konyndyk, president of Refugees International and former lead official at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), engaged in a compelling conversation with ABC News’ Linsey Davis on February 3, 2025. The discussion revolved around President Donald Trump’s recent actions aimed at dismantling USAID, a crucial provider of foreign assistance globally. The unfolding events followed a startling intrusion by representatives from the Department of Government Efficiency into USAID’s offices in Washington, D.C. over the weekend. Subsequently, USAID employees were blindsided by an overnight email notifying them of the immediate closure of headquarters the next morning.

The interview sheds light on the gravity of the situation at USAID and the potential far-reaching repercussions it may have on the international aid sector. Konyndyk, drawing from his extensive experience, underscored the vital role USAID plays in saving lives worldwide on behalf of the American people. He emphasized the agency’s multifaceted contributions, from disaster response efforts to combating famine and providing critical medical care, illustrating the significant impact of USAID’s work on a global scale.

Engaging in a candid exchange with Linsey Davis, Konyndyk expressed his concerns about the misrepresentation of USAID’s mission and the detrimental effects of misinformation circulating online. He urged individuals like Elon Musk, who had made disparaging remarks about USAID, to engage directly with the dedicated professionals at the agency to gain a deeper understanding of their invaluable work. Konyndyk’s impassioned plea highlighted the dedication and commitment of USAID staff, who risk their lives in challenging environments to fulfill their mission of aiding those in need.

As the conversation delved deeper, Konyndyk highlighted USAID’s significant achievements, including the lifesaving impact of programs such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the agency’s support for democracy, human rights, and economic development initiatives worldwide. He emphasized the critical role USAID plays in projecting American values of generosity and solidarity on the global stage, countering the influence of geopolitical rivals.

Addressing the Trump administration’s targeted efforts to dismantle USAID and its relatively modest budget within the federal expenditures, Konyndyk raised concerns about the underlying motivations behind such actions. He highlighted the potential repercussions of undermining USAID’s operations, warning of a catastrophic impact on the global aid sector and the stability of relief and development organizations worldwide.

In conclusion, Konyndyk painted a stark picture of the catastrophic consequences that a continued funding pause at USAID could have on the global aid sector, signaling a potential “extinction-level event” for organizations involved in humanitarian and development work. The looming threat of destabilization, both in terms of budgets and operational capacity, poses a significant risk to the intricate ecosystem of aid providers working tirelessly to make a positive impact around the world. As the conversation came to a close, Konyndyk’s poignant insights underscored the urgent need for continued support and recognition of the invaluable work carried out by USAID and its dedicated staff.