On February 4, 2025, President Trump officially signed an executive order mandating a comprehensive review of U.S. funding and involvement in the United Nations, potentially redefining America's role as the foremost donor in the international organization. "I’ve always felt that the U.N. has tremendous potential. It’s not living up to that potential right now," Trump stated during the signing ceremony in the Oval Office.
As part of this executive action, the U.S. withdrew from the U.N.'s Human Rights Council and halted financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which plays an essential role in delivering humanitarian aid to millions in Gaza. These decisions, although unexpected in their timing during his second term, echo similar moves made during his first term.
In addition to cutbacks on specific organizations, Trump's directive also included a review of U.S. participation in UNESCO, with allegations of "anti-American bias" being a central theme in the motivation behind this examination. Will Scharf, the White House staff secretary, emphasized that the existing funding disparities among various nations have been perceived as "deeply unfair to the U.S."
UN Secretary General António Guterres responded to Trump's executive decision, stating that U.S. contributions have been critical to advancing global security. He expressed optimism about maintaining a productive relationship between the U.N. and the Trump administration in what he termed a "turbulent world."
As Trump's second term unfolds, the U.N. braces for continued tension, having already endured a tumultuous relationship during his previous four years in office. Guterres had previously chosen to navigate these challenging dynamics with a measured approach, avoiding public confrontations with the president.
