How poor branding and misinformation paved the way for USAID's abrupt shutdown
A former USAID official argues that the agency's low public profile and false narratives allowed its rapid elimination by the new “Doge” efficiency drive.
He notes that a Kaiser Family Foundation poll from March 2025 revealed that 86% of adults overestimated foreign aid’s budget share, thinking it was roughly a quarter of federal spending, when it actually hovers near one percent.
Carew contrasts this with NASA’s enduring brand, built through clear messaging, visual aids, and stories that tie missions to national pride and everyday technology benefits. He cites specific USAID achievements in Colombia, such as facilitating legal residency for Venezuelan migrants, guaranteeing loans for sustainable businesses, and supporting the implementation of the 2016 peace accord. The piece argues that without a strong public-relations effort, USAID’s complex, overseas projects remain invisible to voters, allowing misinformation to dominate and leading to its rapid closure. Carew calls for a reimagined foreign-assistance model that mirrors NASA’s communication playbook to win public backing.
Why it matters
Understanding why USAID fell shows how public perception can shape foreign-policy funding and agency survival.
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