Wed Feb 05 09:41:06 IST 2025: ## Trump Cuts US Ties with UN Agencies, Sparking International Tensions

**NEW YORK, NY** – President Donald Trump has announced a significant overhaul of US engagement with the United Nations, ordering an end to US participation in several key UN agencies and initiating a comprehensive review of US funding. The move, announced Tuesday, includes halting funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and withdrawing from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). A review of US involvement in UNESCO is also underway.

White House staff secretary Will Scharf cited perceived anti-American bias within these agencies as the rationale for the actions. The executive order also calls for a broader review of US funding to the UN, citing disparities in contributions among member states. The US is the UN’s largest financial contributor, providing 22% of its core budget and 27% of its peacekeeping budget. Currently, the US owes the UN $2.8 billion.

President Trump, while acknowledging the UN’s potential, criticized its management, stating it “wasn’t being well run” and that it wasn’t effectively addressing global conflicts. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric countered, highlighting Secretary-General António Guterres’ ongoing reform efforts aimed at increasing efficiency and innovation. He emphasized the vital role of US support in saving lives and advancing global security.

The decision to cut funding for UNRWA coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington. Israel has long been critical of UNRWA, alleging anti-Israel incitement and involvement of its staff in terrorist activities. A recent Israeli ban prohibits UNRWA from operating in Israel or communicating with Israeli authorities, further impacting the agency’s operations in Gaza and the West Bank. UNRWA itself has denied these accusations and stated it has been targeted by a disinformation campaign.

The US, previously UNRWA’s largest donor (contributing $300-$400 million annually), had already paused funding in January 2024 following accusations against UNRWA staff involvement in the October 7th, 2023 Hamas attack. Congress subsequently suspended contributions until at least March 2025. The UN has acknowledged the dismissal of nine UNRWA staff members potentially involved in the attack and has called for evidence from Israel to support the accusations. The future of UNRWA, which provides crucial aid and services to millions of Palestinians, remains uncertain following the US withdrawal of funding. The ramifications of President Trump’s sweeping changes to US-UN relations are expected to be felt globally.

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