DIThe Distraction Index

#USAID

6 events across 5 weeks

2Damage
1Hype
3Noise
24.4Avg Dmg
21.4Avg Hype
WEEK 82Jul 19 – 25
HYPE2026-07-20
Trump Administration Claims No Child Deaths from USAID Cuts
Policy Changeinternational · broad
Damage
5.5
Hype
28.5
WEEK 60Feb 15 – 21
NOISE2026-02-13
White House Uses USAID Funds for Budget Director Vought's Security
Resource Reallocationfederal · broad
Damage
19.1
Hype
15.4
WEEK 44Oct 26 – Nov 1
NOISE2025-10-30
USAID Dismantling Affects US Relief Efforts
Resource Reallocationinternational · moderate
Damage
11.8
Hype
10.9
WEEK 13Mar 23 – 29
NOISE2025-03-29
Appeals Court Clears DOGE to Proceed with USAID Cuts
Resource Reallocationfederal · broad
Damage
22.4
Hype
23.9
DMG2025-03-29
State Department Officially Notifies Congress of USAID Closure
Resource Reallocationfederal · broad
Damage
38.3
Hype
23.1
WEEK 6Feb 2 – 8
DMG2025-02-08
USAID Agency Dismantling and Worker Removal
Personnel Capturefederal · moderate
Damage
49.5
Hype
26.5