“USAID: Good Riddance or Great Loss? A Counterpoint Event” w/ IOP

Was the demise of USAID a global tragedy or a reflection of the agency’s obsolescence? Former deputy director of National Intelligence Will Ruger laid the intellectual foundation for the Trump administration’s position against foreign aid. David Lammy, the former British Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, called the Trump administration's freeze of foreign aid and dismantling of USAID, a "big strategic mistake." Hear Mr. Ruger and Mr. Lammy duke it out on this high-stakes issue. Moderated by Jonathan Weisman, political reporter at the New York Times. Counterpoint is an ongoing IOP program featuring civil discourse on opposing policy views. If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact [iopevents@uchicago.edu](mailto:iopevents@uchicago.edu). Ida Noyes Hall, Cloister Club Tuesday, October 27, 2026 5:30 - 6:45 pm This event is hosted by the University of Chicago Institute of Politics. We from the Geopolitical Forum can continue the conversation and hang out after the event wraps up. Please register free of charge at: USAID: Good Riddance or Great Loss? A Counterpoint Event - Institute of Politics. Act sooner rather than later, while there are still seats left. Please also RSVP here to help us find one another at the event.