January 23, 2025

Trump and the UN: A Love-Hate Relationship with a Twist

So, here's the deal. Donald Trump and the United Nations—it's like that one messy, complicated relationship we all know. You know the kind: you’re not sure if you’re on the same team or just tolerating each other to avoid a drama-filled breakup. But, here we are. The U.S. is pulling out of one thing after another, but it's not exactly ghosting the UN—just keeping the relationship very... selective. So, let's dive into the latest UN drama, Trump style.

Keynotes:

  • US Withdrawal from WHO: Donald Trump officially pulled the U.S. out of the World Health Organization (WHO) in January 2025, after criticizing the organization for its handling of COVID-19, particularly its relationship with China.
  • Selective Support for UN Agencies: Despite pulling out of certain international agreements, Trump’s administration still supports some UN programs, particularly those focused on humanitarian aid, such as UNICEF and the World Food Program.
  • Middle East Diplomacy: Trump’s ambassador to the UN, Elise Stefanik, has stirred controversy by aligning herself with Israel’s position on the West Bank, a statement that has generated tension among UN members.
  • China at the UN: Stefanik was also questioned about how the U.S. plans to curb China's growing influence in the UN, with suggestions that the U.S. should increase its own diplomatic presence within the organization.
  • UN Relations under Trump: While the administration has been highly critical of the UN, particularly regarding its stance on Israel and its perceived biases, it is also looking for ways to engage in a more strategic and selective manner with UN agencies.

The Drama Continues:

You remember the Paris Climate Agreement, right? Trump bailed on that faster than most of us could finish a cup of coffee. Then, just when we thought he was done with global disasters, he went after the World Health Organization (WHO). You know, the one we needed during a global pandemic. He had a lot to say about WHO’s management of COVID-19, especially when it came to China. The whole situation was... messy, to say the least. But don’t worry, he didn’t leave them hanging without a dramatic exit. In January 2025, the U.S. officially pulled out of WHO, but not before making sure they criticized the heck out of them. (Really, it's almost like a public breakup with the world’s health organization. Who’s going to manage the drama now?)

But hold up, he’s not going full-on isolation mode. Nope. Instead, it’s the “I’ll support you, but only if it benefits me” approach. It’s like the UN is his ex, and he’s only calling when he needs something. Agencies like UNICEF and the World Food Program are still in his good books because, you know, they do some good work. But others, like the UN agency that helps Palestinians (UNRWA), are about to get a serious cold shoulder. Cue the dramatic sigh.

Middle East Drama: Israel’s Biblical Right to the West Bank? You Can’t Make This Stuff Up

And here’s where it gets spicy. Enter Elise Stefanik, Trump’s pick for the U.S. Ambassador to the UN. This woman dropped a bombshell by suggesting that Israel has a “biblical right” to the West Bank. Wait, what? This isn’t a theology class; it’s international diplomacy. Yet, here we are—Trump’s ambassador dropping holy references into UN conversations like it's a new season of “The Real Housewives of Washington D.C.” The only thing missing is the wine glass.

And you can bet your last dollar that this opinion is making some UN members squirm in their seats. The UN has warned that Israel could officially annex Palestinian land, and they're not thrilled at the thought of the U.S. cheering them on. Meanwhile, Trump’s UN ambassador is all for it. Talk about stirring the pot.

China’s Influence at the UN: The U.S. is Watching (and Scheming)

And, because no global story is complete without a little China drama, Stefanik got grilled about how the U.S. is going to handle China’s growing influence at the UN. It’s like the cool kid in school who starts running the show—and Trump isn’t about to let that slide. Stefanik’s solution? Well, she thinks the best way to fight back is to throw more American diplomats into the mix. More U.S. employees at the UN? That’s one way to play it, I guess. You’ve got to love the irony, though—Trump’s team is basically like, “Let’s throw more Americans into the global workforce, but only if they’re working for us.”

So, What’s Next?

You know what? This whole approach is a little like watching a drama series that gets renewed every season, but no one quite knows how it’s going to play out. Will Trump and the UN have a dramatic reunion? Will they split for good? Who knows. But one thing’s for sure: diplomacy under Trump is not your average, boring, handshaking affair. It’s unpredictable, selective, and—let’s be honest—pretty darn entertaining.

As for whether the U.S. will continue to cut ties with international organizations, that remains to be seen. Will they get totally distant, like that ex who just stops answering texts, or will they pop back up with a “Hey, I miss you”? Time will tell, but we’re all just here for the ride.

Until then, let’s see what other international crises come Trump’s way—because with him, you never really know what's going to happen next.


Disclaimer: The content in this blog post is a blend of factual updates and satirical commentary, meant for lighthearted entertainment. While we strive for accuracy, the opinions and perspectives shared are intended to foster conversation and are not reflective of official U.S. government policy or stance on the UN and global diplomacy.

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