World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés says humanitarian organizations are feeling the loss of USAID’s operational expertise as they respond to Venezuela’s tragic earthquakes. His comments come after Elon Musk defended Trump’s USAID cuts, arguing that the disruptions caused no major damage to humanitarian operations.
Andrés says funding alone cannot replace USAID expertise
In a post on X, Andrés said humanitarian operations in countries such as Venezuela and Jamaica require experienced professionals who can coordinate complex emergency responses on the ground. He acknowledged that USAID needed reform but argued that its decades of institutional knowledge remain difficult to replace.
In June, Venezuela suffered two earthquakes occurring within seconds of each other. At the last count, official figures indicate over 5,000 deaths and thousands displaced in the aftermath of the seismic events.
International USA aid like in Jamaica or Venezuela is not the same because no one is there to manage a very complex situation like @USAID did! That USAID needed reform? Yes like every company private or government agencies needs to be improve and shaken…but USAID expertise is… https://t.co/lCZBRvnwDg
— Chef José Andrés 🕊️🥘🍳 (@chefjoseandres) July 25, 2026
“International USA aid like in Jamaica or Venezuela is not the same because no one is there to manage a very complex situation as USAID did,” Andrés wrote.
He added that while every government agency should improve, humanitarian organizations now miss the expertise USAID brought to major crises.
Following major cutbacks in 2025, USAID is de facto dissolved and non-operational, with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) citing gross mismanagement of funds.
Andrés’ remarks contrast with Musk’s recent comments to The Economist, where he described USAID as “a fraud” and insisted the cuts caused “zero” deaths in Africa. Musk also argued that billionaires such as Bill Gates and MacKenzie Scott could have stepped in to replace withdrawn US assistance.
Before the Trump administration restructured US foreign assistance, USAID served as one of the largest international donors supporting Venezuelans inside the country and across the region. The agency funded food assistance, health services, water and sanitation projects, protection programmes, and support for millions of Venezuelan refugees and migrants.
Aid groups respond as Venezuela’s needs grow
World Central Kitchen has deployed teams to provide freshly prepared meals to people displaced by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. The organization has also partnered with local restaurants and community groups to expand food distribution as affected families begin recovering from the disaster.
Meanwhile, the Venezuelan Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have delivered emergency relief, medical assistance, and essential supplies to affected communities. Humanitarian agencies have also worked to assess damage, restore basic services, and support families who lost homes or livelihoods during the earthquake.
Over the last month, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) provided 8.5 tonnes of emergency medical supplies, addressing the healthcare needs of over 10,000 Venezuelans.
The disaster struck as Venezuela continued to grapple with years of economic hardship, chronic electricity shortages, and limited access to healthcare and essential goods. Consequently, aid organizations say many vulnerable families now face even greater humanitarian needs.