**Bono Confronts Joe Rogan Over Elon Musk's Influence on USAID Cuts**

In a spirited exchange on "The Joe Rogan Experience," U2's Bono confronted podcaster Joe Rogan over the implications of Elon Musk's advocacy for severe cuts to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This conversation highlighted the humanitarian crisis that could result from these reductions, which Bono claimed could lead to over 300,000 deaths worldwide, primarily affecting children suffering from conditions like malnutrition, malaria, and pneumonia.

Bono has long been involved in humanitarian efforts, traveling to Africa and other nations since the early 1980s. During the podcast, he highlighted the profound impact these proposed cuts from Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) could have, especially in vulnerable regions that rely heavily on USAID's support. The singer illustrated the severity of the situation by pointing out that food, water, and medical supplies are already stranded due to mass layoffs, leaving essential resources to rot without proper distribution.

The debate between Bono and Rogan took a heated turn as Rogan labeled USAID a "money-laundering operation," citing instances of waste and fraud. Despite Rogan's acknowledgement of the organization's significant role in providing essential resources like fresh water and medicine to impoverished regions, he argued that financial mismanagement needed to be addressed. Bono countered by emphasizing the human cost of the cuts, referencing heartbreaking decisions faced by aid workers on the ground, such as choosing which child to remove from life-saving IVs due to dwindling resources.

Elon Musk responded to Bono's comments by dismissing them on social media, accusing the singer of lying and claiming that "zero people have died" as a result of the cuts. Musk and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have contended that the reported deaths are predictive rather than actual occurrences. However, experts like Brooke Nichols, a mathematician and infectious diseases professor, assert that the cuts have already led to tens of thousands of child deaths from conditions like diarrhea, pneumonia, and malnutrition.

The controversy over USAID cuts and Musk's involvement has also drawn criticism from other prominent figures, including Bill Gates, who condemned the proposed reductions and their potential impact on the world’s poorest children.

As the debate continues, the underlying issue remains the balance between addressing fraud and maintaining essential humanitarian aid. Bono's impassioned plea serves as a reminder of the critical importance of these life-saving programs and the dire consequences that can result from hasty policy decisions.