In brief
On February 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that seeks to review the United States' funding and involvement in the United Nations, a move that has provoked concerns over the U.S. leadership role in the organization. During a signing ceremony in the Oval Office, Trump stated, “I’ve always felt that the U.N. has tremendous potential. It’s not living up to that potential right now.” The executive order includes the withdrawal from the U.N.’s Human Rights Council and halting funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides vital humanitarian support to millions in Gaza.
These steps are seen as a continuation of Trump’s first-term policies concerning international organizations. The executive order also calls for a review of U.S. involvement in UNESCO due to allegations of perceived bias against America. White House staff secretary Will Scharf pointed out a “wild disparity” in funding contributions among nations that Trump finds unjust. In response to this executive order, U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric reminded the international community of the critical role the U.S. plays in promoting global security and expressed hope for ongoing collaboration with the Trump administration. Secretary-General António Guterres appears committed to maintaining a productive relationship with the U.S. amid turbulent times. The U.N. has braced for another challenging term under Trump’s presidency, reflecting on the complexities of past interactions between the organization and the previous administration.
