Global Dispatches

Global Dispatches

Share this post

Global Dispatches
Global Dispatches
What a Second Trump Presidency Means for the UN

What a Second Trump Presidency Means for the UN

Trump's approach to the UN is more nuanced than critics might think

Mark Leon Goldberg's avatar
Mark Leon Goldberg
Nov 07, 2024
∙ Paid
11

Share this post

Global Dispatches
Global Dispatches
What a Second Trump Presidency Means for the UN
1
Share

The important thing to understand about Donald Trump’s approach to the United Nations is that he is not intrinsically hostile to it. In his first administration, he had several productive engagements with the UN, working through the Security Council on sanctions for North Korea and Iran, for instance. He also had a good working relationship with António Guterres, whom he invited to the White House. By all accounts, he rather enjoyed his annual addresses to the General Assembly and the pomp that surrounds UNGA each September.

Neither is Trump particularly sympathetic to the UN. His administration took actions against the UN that are in line with the typical Republican approach to the institution. For example, Trump blocked American funding for the UN Population Fund, a move every Republican administration since Ronald Reagan has taken. He also suspended funding for UNRWA, the UN agency that supports Palestinian refugees (something Biden did as well), and supported American non-engagemen…

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to Global Dispatches to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Mark Leon Goldberg
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share