A recent statement by Elon Musk has sparked a heated debate about the future of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The billionaire entrepreneur suggested that the agency is no longer necessary and could be abolished or merged with the State Department. However, a former Republican director of USAID is speaking out against Musk’s claims, calling them a “bold-faced lie.”

The former director, who has extensive experience in international development and diplomacy, argues that USAID plays a critical role in advancing U.S. interests around the world. The agency’s work in areas such as global health, economic development, and humanitarian assistance is essential to promoting stability and security in regions critical to American foreign policy.

“USAID is not just a charity or a feel-good organization,” the former director said in an interview. “It is a vital tool for achieving U.S. foreign policy objectives and promoting American values abroad. To suggest that it can be abolished or folded into the State Department is a gross misunderstanding of the agency’s purpose and function.”

The former director pointed to several examples of USAID’s success in promoting U.S. interests, including its work in combating infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Ebola, supporting economic development in countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq, and providing humanitarian assistance to refugees and displaced persons around the world.

“USAID’s work is not just about providing aid to foreign countries,” the former director said. “It is about investing in the stability and security of regions that are critical to American interests. By promoting economic development, improving health outcomes, and supporting democratic institutions, USAID is helping to create a more prosperous and peaceful world that benefits the United States and its allies.”

In light of these facts, the former director’s characterization of Musk’s statement as a “bold-faced lie” seems apt. While there may be room for debate about the specifics of USAID’s programs and operations, the agency’s importance to U.S. foreign policy and national security is clear. As the United States continues to navigate a complex and rapidly changing global landscape, the work of USAID will only become more critical to promoting American interests and values abroad.