President Trump's recent action signals a potential shift in the U.S. approach towards international organizations, emphasizing perceived inequities in funding.
Trump's Executive Order Shakes U.S. Commitment to U.N. Relations
Trump's Executive Order Shakes U.S. Commitment to U.N. Relations
Executive order calls for review of U.S. funding and ties with the United Nations, raising concerns about American leadership.
President Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday aimed at re-evaluating the United States' financial contributions and engagement with the United Nations. This decision has generated considerable uncertainty about America's longstanding role as the dominant donor in the global organization.
During a signing ceremony held in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump expressed his longstanding belief in the potential of the U.N., stating, "It’s not living up to that potential right now." The order also discontinued U.S. participation in the U.N.'s Human Rights Council and ceased funding for UNRWA, the U.N. agency that provides humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. These actions were anticipated, as Mr. Trump had previously withdrawn the country from both entities during his initial presidential term.
Additionally, the executive order mandates a comprehensive review of U.S. involvement with UNESCO, the U.N. body tasked with safeguarding cultural heritage, based on allegations of “anti-American bias.” Will Scharf, White House staff secretary, highlighted concerns over what he termed “wild disparity and levels of funding among different countries,” which Mr. Trump considers inequitable to the U.S.
In reaction to this executive order, Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the U.N., underscored the benefits of U.S. support in promoting global security and reiterated Secretary General António Guterres' eagerness to maintain a cooperative relationship with President Trump in these unstable times. Observers at the U.N. are preparing for the challenges anticipated during Mr. Trump's second term, recalling the tumultuous interactions experienced during his first term as president. Guterres has largely avoided public disputes with Trump, opting instead for diplomacy in challenging circumstances.
During a signing ceremony held in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump expressed his longstanding belief in the potential of the U.N., stating, "It’s not living up to that potential right now." The order also discontinued U.S. participation in the U.N.'s Human Rights Council and ceased funding for UNRWA, the U.N. agency that provides humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. These actions were anticipated, as Mr. Trump had previously withdrawn the country from both entities during his initial presidential term.
Additionally, the executive order mandates a comprehensive review of U.S. involvement with UNESCO, the U.N. body tasked with safeguarding cultural heritage, based on allegations of “anti-American bias.” Will Scharf, White House staff secretary, highlighted concerns over what he termed “wild disparity and levels of funding among different countries,” which Mr. Trump considers inequitable to the U.S.
In reaction to this executive order, Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the U.N., underscored the benefits of U.S. support in promoting global security and reiterated Secretary General António Guterres' eagerness to maintain a cooperative relationship with President Trump in these unstable times. Observers at the U.N. are preparing for the challenges anticipated during Mr. Trump's second term, recalling the tumultuous interactions experienced during his first term as president. Guterres has largely avoided public disputes with Trump, opting instead for diplomacy in challenging circumstances.
