State of the World from NPR The Evolving Relationship Between the U.S. and the U.N.
Sep 17, 2025
The podcast delves into the UN's 80th anniversary amid global conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza. It discusses the challenges the UN faces and how the Trump administration's policies have strained U.S.–UN relations. Early shifts in funding and withdrawals from key organizations have created a ripple effect, leading to financial crises and diplomatic fallout. Insights from diplomats reveal how these actions have been disruptive, complicating the selection of the next secretary-general and posing challenges for the future.
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U.S. Withdrawal Reshapes U.N. Role
- The Trump administration has actively reduced U.S. engagement with key U.N. bodies, citing they don't live up to potential.
- This shift transformed the U.S. from a major underwriter into a destabilizing force within the U.N.
Withdrawals From WHO And UNESCO
- The U.S. withdrew from WHO and UNESCO early in Trump's term, citing ideological disagreements.
- Anjali Dayal notes this withdrawal undermines core U.N. work like poverty alleviation and gender equality.
Petty Votes, Big Diplomatic Ripples
- The U.S. began voting against routine U.N. resolutions and threatened to stop reaffirming the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Diplomats describe the behavior as ideological, chaotic, and highly disruptive to multilateral work.