As Donald Trump prepares for his return to the White House in just days, anxiety is mounting within UN agencies, concerned that his second term could bring even greater disruption than the first. During his initial presidency, Trump’s administration significantly reduced U.S. contributions to UN operations, withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council, exited the Paris climate agreement and UNESCO, and started the process of leaving the World Health Organization.
However, experts caution that this time, Trump’s actions may be quicker and more decisive. Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group stated that Trump is unlikely to waste time in withdrawing from UN mechanisms he previously boycotted. “I don’t think Trump is going to hang about so long this time,” Gowan remarked.
The United States remains the largest financial contributor to the UN, which is already grappling with budgetary challenges, heightening concerns about possible funding cuts. UN officials have been working to stress the importance of U.S. involvement. “The cooperation between the United States and the United Nations is a critical pillar of international relations, and the UN system,” noted Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
However, the feeling of goodwill is not always mutual. Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who Trump has selected as his UN ambassador, has referred to the organization as “a corrupt, defunct, and paralyzed institution.” Many also fear that Republican members of Congress may push forward with legislation aimed at completely defunding the UN.
