As President Trump demolishes the government's biggest provider of foreign aid, the United States Agency for International Development, he is ending a 60-year bipartisan consensus about the best way to keep America safe from its enemies. This move represents a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, moving away from the traditional emphasis on "soft power" and humanitarian assistance.

Michael Crowley, who covers U.S. foreign policy, and Stephanie Nolen, a global health reporter for The New York Times, discuss the rise and fall of U.S.A.I.D. They explore how this agency has played a crucial role in projecting American influence and values around the world through development programs, disaster relief, and public health initiatives.

The article delves into the history and evolution of U.S.A.I.D., highlighting how it has been a bipartisan effort for decades, supported by both Republican and Democratic administrations. However, the Trump administration's decision to significantly cut funding and scale back the agency's operations represents a sharp departure from this long-standing tradition.

As the U.S. shifts its focus away from "soft power" and towards a more isolationist, "America First" approach, the implications for global stability, public health, and America's standing in the world are significant. The discussion of the rise and fall of U.S.A.I.D. provides valuable insights into the changing landscape of U.S. foreign policy and the potential consequences of these shifts.