Story perspectives

Enrich's Book Warns USAID Cuts Threaten Millions' Lives

4/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Nicholas Enrich's book, "Into the Wood Chipper," critiques the Trump administration's dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which began with a funding pause and resulted in its merger with the State Department.
Enrich, a former USAID official, warns that these cuts could jeopardize education for 23 million children and healthcare for 95 million people, potentially causing over 3 million preventable deaths annually.
He argues that the administration's "trade over aid" strategy weakens U.S. soft power and partnerships, driving nations toward adversaries like Russia and China.
Enrich advocates for restoring USAID, highlighting its critical role in global development.

1 of 1

Story summary

Nicholas Enrich's book, "Into the Wood Chipper," critiques the Trump administration's dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which began with a funding pause and resulted in its merger with the State Department.
Enrich, a former USAID official, warns that these cuts could jeopardize education for 23 million children and healthcare for 95 million people, potentially causing over 3 million preventable deaths annually.
He argues that the administration's "trade over aid" strategy weakens U.S. soft power and partnerships, driving nations toward adversaries like Russia and China.
Enrich advocates for restoring USAID, highlighting its critical role in global development.