A former top US official for global health, Nicholas Enrich, has come forward with a shocking account of the Trump administration’s dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Enrich, who worked under four administrations, was dismissed after leaking memos detailing plans to shut down the agency.
Enrich’s new book, “Into the Woodchipper,” reveals the chaotic events of March 2025, when the Trump administration was dismantling USAID while an Ebola outbreak was spreading in Uganda. As the top US official for global health, Enrich was tasked with managing the US response, but he claims he was hindered at every turn, with one political appointee even telling him that Ebola was a “scam.”
USAID Demolition
Enrich’s book provides a unique perspective on the agency’s demise, which he attributes to a lack of understanding and qualification among the administration’s officials. He argues that the agency was not destroyed due to inefficiency or waste, but rather to satisfy the ego of a billionaire. Enrich notes that USAID was considered one of the most efficient agencies within the government, operating on less than 1% of the federal budget and saving the lives of 92 million people over the last 20 years.
Enrich’s account also highlights the challenges he faced as a civil servant, including being told to implement directives that he disagreed with, such as making lists of staff to be terminated or stopping life-saving activities. He regrets not speaking out sooner and wishes he had been more proactive in resisting the administration’s policies.
The demolition of USAID has significant implications for global health, particularly in the face of ongoing Ebola outbreaks. Enrich’s book serves as a warning about the dangers of dismantling critical agencies and the importance of protecting public health and safety.
Global Health Implications
The current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a stark reminder of the need for effective global health responses. Enrich’s account highlights the importance of having experienced and qualified officials in charge of global health initiatives. The lack of a functioning USAID has significant implications for the US’s ability to respond to global health crises.
The story of USAID’s demise serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of protecting critical agencies and the need for qualified and experienced officials to lead global health initiatives. As the world continues to face numerous health challenges, the US must re-examine its approach to global health and ensure that it has the necessary infrastructure and expertise to respond effectively.
