As Donald Trump is all set to step back into the White House, United Nations agencies are getting worried about the disruption that may heighten in scale and intensity as experienced during his previous term. In his first presidential term, Donald Trump had significantly reduced contributions to the UN. He had renounced the critical agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord, the UNESCO, and the WHO.
Experts forecast an even steeper rise this time. As International Crisis Group representative Richard Gowan said, “Trump is unlikely to delay; he will swiftly abandon UN mechanisms he previously boycotted.”
It plays a very critical role, and it is also the UN’s largest donor, but the US has now placed uncertainty over its financial commitment. Officials from the UN continue to emphasize how essential US cooperation is; in fact, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric calls it “the critical pillar of international relations.” Incoming UN ambassador Elise Stefanik has branded the organization “corrupt and defunct,” which could cause a reduction in funds.
A total retreat is unlikely because that would let China have a walkover within the UN system,” writes Jussi Hanhimaki, professor of international history at the Geneva Graduate Institute. “During Trump’s first term, China won yet more influence within the UN system by taking over some agencies the US had deserted, such as the Human Rights Council.”.
Trump’s return may be particularly detrimental to the World Trade Organization, as he has already imposed tariffs in the past. Reproductive health programs are also likely to suffer because Washington had already cut funding to the UN Population Fund, which relies on contributions from the US to save thousands of lives every year.
Speculation abounds that the Trump administration will withdraw from the WHO on its first day. Global Health Centre co-director Suerie Moon warns that such a move would diminish US influence and undermine global health security. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus remains hopeful that the US will make the “right decision.”
The last time Trump was in office, European nations stepped in to support targeted UN agencies. Observers note, however, that Europe now lacks the financial capacity to offer similar assistance, and UN agencies are scrambling for alternative funding sources to mitigate potential US budget cuts.
