On May 30, 2025, Elon Musk publicly responded to recent criticisms from U2 frontman Bono regarding the U.S. government’s cuts to foreign aid. During a high-profile podcast appearance, Bono criticized the Trump administration’s aid reductions, overseen in part by Musk during his short tenure as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Bono claimed the cuts resulted in significant humanitarian fallout, including a substantial rise in deaths due to reduced access to food, water, and medical supplies.
Musk swiftly took to his social media platform, labeling Bono as “such a liar/idiot” and insisting that “zero people have died” as a result of the aid cuts. He also mocked Bono by referencing a popular animated show that previously satirized the singer.
The dispute comes amid Musk’s broader defense of his cost-cutting measures, which he says saved taxpayers billions. However, independent analyses challenge Musk’s claims, highlighting the potential human impact of abrupt funding reductions. Musk’s term at the Department of Government Efficiency ended recently, marked by controversy over his role in reshaping the government’s foreign aid strategy.
The exchange has reignited a debate over the ethics of foreign aid cuts and the responsibilities of high-profile figures in shaping and defending public policy.
