U2’s Bono Urges the U.S. to Honor Its Global Commitments Amid Rising Concerns
Bono, the iconic lead singer of U2 and a passionate advocate for global health initiatives, openly shares his frustrations about the current state of international aid and the direction of American foreign policy. In a recent interview with Esquire, he expressed his deep disappointment, stating he is “extremely upset” with how the United States is handling its responsibilities today. “America has historically been a land of opportunity for many,” he remarks, “but it now seems as though that promise is on the verge of being broken.”
Historical Contributions and Current Challenges
Bono’s nonprofit organization, ONE, played a pivotal role in advancing critical healthcare interventions for AIDS in the United States back in 2003. Their efforts contributed significantly to the fight against the epidemic, saving countless lives. However, the political landscape has shifted dramatically since then. The first 100 days of the Trump administration, for example, saw substantial reductions in international aid budgets, undermining decades of progress.
“The damage to our global health work is unprecedented,” Bono laments. “The brightest minds and most dedicated individuals-those who have risked everything to support the most vulnerable communities-are now facing severe setbacks, with their efforts being discarded or defunded.”
Partisan Politics and Bipartisan Efforts
Despite his reputation for working across party lines, Bono has historically collaborated with figures from different political backgrounds. Notably, he partnered with President George W. Bush to implement the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), even amid criticism from the political left. Since its inception, PEPFAR has been credited with saving over 26 million lives worldwide, a testament to the impact of bipartisan cooperation.
“I see myself as a pragmatic centrist,” Bono explains. “It might sound unconventional, but I believe that moderation and compromise are essential for progress. The extremes on both ends of the political spectrum are not the solutions we need.”
Recent Policy Shifts and Their Impact
According to a February report by AP News, the Trump administration’s approach to foreign aid resulted in a staggering $60 billion cut from U.S. international assistance programs. These reductions have severely impacted vital initiatives, including efforts to contain Ebola outbreaks and combat HIV/AIDS in Africa, which have historically saved over 20 million lives. Critics, including Bono’s organization ONE, are now urging lawmakers to oppose the proposed federal budget for 2026, which threatens to further strain healthcare infrastructure in developing regions.
Bono, in 2003, passionately called on the U.S. to fulfill its promise of international aid to Africa, emphasizing the importance of sustained support.
The Moral and Geopolitical Dimensions
“Some may argue that the U.S. shouldn’t be responsible for funding aid or healthcare in distant countries where there’s no direct vote or immediate benefit,” Bono admits. “But such thinking overlooks the broader geopolitical consequences and moral imperatives. Pulling support from these regions destabilizes entire systems and exacerbates suffering.”
He continues, “The deliberate dismantling of life-saving infrastructure-stripping health systems of their resources-reveals a troubling truth about the current state of global priorities. The signs of this decline are subtle but unmistakable, and the consequences are profound.”
Hope for the Future and the Power of Information
Despite these setbacks, Bono remains optimistic about America’s capacity for change. “I believe in the old adage that if people are given the right information, they will make the right choices,” he asserts. “Right now, it’s crucial that we provide the public and policymakers with accurate, compelling data to inspire a shift back toward compassion and responsibility.”
