The Trump administration asked the United Nations (U.N.) on Wednesday to remove Palestinian rights envoy Francesca Albanese, accusing her of waging economic warfare against Israel—and threatening American business—with letters full of “inflammatory rhetoric and false accusations.”
The Trump administration formally asked the U.N. to remove Francesca Albanese from her role as special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, citing her support for terrorism and economic warfare. Internal communications reveal Washington branded her actions as “virulent antisemitism and support for terrorism,” and condemned her misrepresentation of legal credentials.
Albanese reportedly compared Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler and blamed Israel for Hamas’s Oct. 7 atrocities. She followed up with “threatening letters” to major American firms, telling them to cut ties with Israel or face “potential criminal liability.” Acting U.S. representative Dorothy Shea said these warnings “constitute an unacceptable campaign of political and economic warfare against the American and worldwide economy.”
Shea highlighted Albanese’s “fundamental legal errors” in accusing companies of genocide and apartheid, and questioned the legitimacy of her position. Albanese even misrepresented herself as a licensed international lawyer, though she lacked a bar license. The Trump administration argues this fabrication rescinds her diplomatic immunity and disqualifies her from the role.
Despite strong U.S. objections, the U.N. and Human Rights Council have refused to remove her. Shea warned the U.N.’s inaction not only discredits the organization but may force the U.S. government to “take significant actions in response to her misconduct.”
The U.S. insists that economic warfare cannot be fought through diplomatic appointments—and that the U.N.’s failure to address such threats undermines international order.
