**Bono Criticizes Elon Musk's Government Cuts in Conversation with Joe Rogan**

In a recent podcast episode, U2's Bono took the opportunity to denounce the "evils" of Elon Musk's initiatives, particularly highlighting the detrimental impact of the latter's cuts at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Bono, known for his extensive involvement with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), referenced a study that attributes more than 300,000 deaths globally to these budget reductions.

Bono illustrated the dire consequences of these cuts by describing how food supplies are currently "rotting" in boats and warehouses, due to the firing of personnel responsible for their distribution. He questioned, "That's not America, is it?" emphasizing that while he understands the inclination to minimize "big government," the resulting consequences can be catastrophic.

The musician’s criticism extended to a haunting depiction of choices made out of desperation, such as deciding "which child to pull off the IVs." He suggested that such decisions flirt with "pure evil," as the unnecessary loss of human life, especially children, is reminiscent of evil tendencies whether through incompetence or unintended outcomes.

Bono disclosed his efforts to address the issue directly with high-ranking officials such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also manages USAID. However, Rubio remains skeptical, convinced "people aren't dying," despite Bono's claims of evidence to the contrary. Bono highlighted America's grandeur not just in geographical terms but in its foundational ideas, suggesting that reducing the country's global impact diminishes its very essence.

Joe Rogan, while agreeing with the adverse outcomes of the cuts to USAID, pointed out the agency's history of financial mismanagement. Rogan acknowledged the significance of the agency's work in providing essential resources like fresh water and food to underprivileged regions. He argued that such cuts should have been preceded by adequate preparation and the establishment of new infrastructures to prevent subsequent suffering.

Interestingly, Rogan admitted that despite Elon Musk's bold proposals and the DOGE committee’s plans, the actual budget cuts haven't materialized. According to a Financial Times report, DOGE has significantly underachieved its original objective to slash $2 trillion from federal spending, managing less than the publicly claimed $170 billion in savings.

The dialogue between Bono and Rogan sheds light on the complexities and unforeseen ramifications of governmental budget cuts, especially when they affect life-saving international aid programs.