On February 4, 2025, President Donald Trump took a significant step by signing an executive order that mandates a review of U.S. funding and engagement with the United Nations. This decision throws into question the United States’ established leadership position as the largest donor to the global organization. “I’ve always felt that the U.N. has tremendous potential,” Trump commented during the signing ceremony, “but it’s not living up to that potential right now.”
The executive order also marks the withdrawal of the United States from the U.N.’s Human Rights Council and halts funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which provides essential humanitarian aid to millions in conflict regions like Gaza. Trump’s earlier presidency had already seen similar actions concerning these organizations, making the recent decisions somewhat anticipated.
Additionally, the order directs a critical examination of U.S. involvement in UNESCO, the agency focused on cultural preservation, as it faces accusations of demonstrating “anti-American bias,” according to White House staff secretary Will Scharf. The disparities in funding between various countries prompted Trump to characterize these levels as “deeply unfair to the U.S.”
In reaction to the executive order, U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric emphasized that U.S. participation has historically contributed to global security. He expressed hope for an ongoing cooperative relationship between the U.S. Government and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, especially amid a period marked by international tensions.
The U.N. is now preparing for the implications of Trump’s second term, having previously navigated a turbulent relationship with the administration during its first four years in office. Guterres has largely avoided public confrontations with the president, aiming to maintain a productive dialogue amidst challenges.
The executive order also marks the withdrawal of the United States from the U.N.’s Human Rights Council and halts funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which provides essential humanitarian aid to millions in conflict regions like Gaza. Trump’s earlier presidency had already seen similar actions concerning these organizations, making the recent decisions somewhat anticipated.
Additionally, the order directs a critical examination of U.S. involvement in UNESCO, the agency focused on cultural preservation, as it faces accusations of demonstrating “anti-American bias,” according to White House staff secretary Will Scharf. The disparities in funding between various countries prompted Trump to characterize these levels as “deeply unfair to the U.S.”
In reaction to the executive order, U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric emphasized that U.S. participation has historically contributed to global security. He expressed hope for an ongoing cooperative relationship between the U.S. Government and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, especially amid a period marked by international tensions.
The U.N. is now preparing for the implications of Trump’s second term, having previously navigated a turbulent relationship with the administration during its first four years in office. Guterres has largely avoided public confrontations with the president, aiming to maintain a productive dialogue amidst challenges.
