A former U.S. envoy is calling on President Trump to use America’s financial leverage to demand sweeping reforms at the United Nations. Hugh Dugan, who advised 11 U.S. ambassadors to the UN and later served as Trump’s envoy for hostage affairs, warned that without conditional funding, the UN will remain bloated, unaccountable, and vulnerable to Chinese influence.
The U.S. provides between 20 and 30 percent of the UN’s operating budget, far more than any other member state. Dugan says that level of contribution gives Washington the power—and responsibility—to insist on accountability. He argues the UN should be required to issue an annual “report to shareholders” detailing exactly how U.S. funds are spent and what outcomes have been achieved. Without measurable results, Dugan believes President Trump should be ready to cut or redirect U.S. funding.
The timing is critical. The election for the next UN secretary-general is approaching, giving the U.S. an opportunity to make reforms a central condition of its support. Dugan suggested Trump could use this moment to lay down clear expectations for candidates and member states. “Now is the time to demand change, not write blank checks,” he said.
China’s growing involvement at the UN adds urgency to the debate. Beijing has been aggressively expanding its diplomatic footprint, placing officials in key roles and using international institutions to promote authoritarian interests. Dugan warned that if the U.S. does not assert leadership, the UN could tilt toward China’s priorities at the expense of human rights and global security.
Conditioning funding would reflect conservative priorities of fiscal responsibility and accountability. For years, critics have argued that American taxpayers should not bankroll an organization riddled with inefficiency and political bias. Dugan’s call to action puts the issue squarely before President Trump, who has long questioned the value of global institutions.
