UN chief sounds the alarm amid fears over possible DOGE-inspired cuts after Trump’s order

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres appears to be preparing his staff for potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump. In a letter addressed to U.N. staff, Guterres acknowledged the “difficult challenge” that the international body is facing in light of possible changes.

“We are closely collaborating with colleagues across the United Nations system to understand and mitigate the potential impact on our operations,” Guterres reassured in the letter. “The work of the United Nations is more crucial now than ever. Your dedication and support are vital in helping us navigate through this challenging period and continue to serve those in need around the world with unwavering commitment.”

In response to inquiries from Fox News, Guterres’ spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized the historically significant support that the U.S. has provided to the United Nations, saving countless lives and enhancing global security. Dujarric expressed Guterres’ eagerness to maintain a productive relationship with President Trump and the U.S. government to bolster cooperation in today’s turbulent global landscape.

Former Principal Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Hugh Dugan highlighted the heightened anxiety felt by U.N. entities at all levels, noting concerns about accountability and transparency. Dugan suggested that the Department of General Education (DOGE) and his organization DOGE-U.N. may face scrutiny due to increased oversight from Washington.

Guterres’ letter coincided with President Trump’s issuance of an Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid, which mandates a 90-day pause in foreign programs and emphasizes alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities. The order grants Secretary of State Marco Rubio the authority to waive the pause for specific programs.

The Trump administration has identified instances of government waste in foreign funding, such as a $1.5 million USAID project in Serbia promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in workplaces, and a $2 million program supporting LGBT activism in Guatemala. Additionally, concerns were raised about a $50 million allocation for condoms in Gaza, which could potentially be misused by Hamas for illicit purposes.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt underscored the administration’s commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, citing the need to review and realign foreign assistance programs to ensure they serve American interests and adhere to the “America First” agenda.

Secretary Rubio has initiated a pause on all U.S. foreign assistance programs funded by the State Department and USAID to conduct a thorough review. The State Department emphasized the importance of safeguarding American investments and aligning foreign assistance with U.S. foreign policy objectives.

In conclusion, amid potential changes in U.S. foreign policy, the United Nations is bracing for impact and striving to adapt to new challenges while upholding its mission of serving those in need worldwide. The collaboration between the U.N. and the U.S. government remains crucial in navigating the evolving global landscape and addressing pressing humanitarian issues.