UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a letter to UN staff, acknowledging the challenges posed by potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump. In the letter, Guterres emphasized the importance of the United Nations' work and assured staff that efforts are underway to understand and mitigate any impacts on UN operations.
Guterres' spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, highlighted the historical support the U.S. has provided to the UN and expressed the Secretary-General's commitment to maintaining a productive relationship with President Trump and the U.S. Government.
Former Principal Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Hugh Dugan, noted a sense of anxiety among UN entities regarding potential changes, particularly in accountability measures.
President Trump's recent Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid has raised concerns about the future of foreign assistance programs. The order calls for a pause in certain programs to ensure alignment with U.S. foreign policy goals.
The Trump administration has cited instances of government waste in foreign funding, including projects in Serbia and Guatemala that have come under scrutiny. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted concerns about taxpayer dollars being used inefficiently, such as in a program involving condoms in Gaza.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has initiated a review of all U.S. foreign assistance programs to ensure they align with American interests and the administration's priorities. The State Department emphasized the need for responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds and a focus on programs that benefit the American people.
Overall, the UN and other international entities are bracing for potential changes in U.S. foreign policy and are working to adapt to any new directives that may impact their operations.
