News Desk
NEW YORK: The United Nations (UN) is bracing for the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, amid growing concerns over the possibility of reduced US funding and a withdrawal from critical international agreements. As Trump positions himself for a second term after his anticipated victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 elections, the global body is preparing for the challenges that marked his first presidency. These challenges included sharp cuts to diplomatic engagement and funding for the UN and multilateral institutions.
During his first term, Trump was openly critical of the UN, calling it inefficient and biased. He proposed slashing US contributions by a third, particularly targeting funding for peacekeeping and international organizations. While Congress largely resisted these proposed cuts, fears remain that the next administration could pursue a more aggressive stance on fiscal reductions, especially as the US remains the largest financial contributor to the UN—accounting for about 22 percent of the core budget and 27 percent of peacekeeping costs.
Trump’s prior actions, including withdrawing the US from the UN Human Rights Council, UNESCO, and international agreements like the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran nuclear deal, left a deep mark on global diplomacy. The UN is now preparing for the possible repercussions of Trump’s return, with officials anticipating further cuts to funding and a potential US exit from agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord. One senior diplomat, reflecting widespread concern, stated, “The heavens help us,” capturing the uncertainty and anxiety among global officials.
