Republican Lawmakers Propose Withdrawal from United Nations Amidst Alleged Bias and Ineffectiveness
Introduction
Concerned about the alleged failure of the United Nations (UN) to uphold American interests and align with President Donald Trump’s "America First" agenda, Republican lawmakers have launched an effort to withdraw the United States from the international organization.
The Disengaging Entirely From the United Nations Debacle Act
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Disengaging Entirely From the United Nations Debacle Act of 2025 on Thursday, calling the UN "a platform for tyrants" that undermines American interests. The bill seeks to terminate US membership in the UN and its affiliated bodies, as well as end funding to these groups.
Concerns Raised by Lawmakers
Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) echoed Senator Lee’s concerns, claiming that UN bodies do not serve American interests and have failed to prevent conflicts, human rights violations, and pandemics. He specifically cited the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which has been scrutinized for alleged involvement in Palestinian militant attacks on Israel.
US Financial Contributions to the UN
The United States is the largest financial contributor to the UN, providing over $18 billion in 2022. This amount constitutes approximately one-third of the organization’s total budget.
Democrats and the UN
While Republican lawmakers voice these concerns, Democrats generally hold more favorable views of the UN. In 2024, over 70% of Democrats and liberal-leaning independents expressed a positive view of the organization, compared to only 34% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents.
Historical Pushback from Trump Administration
President Trump has consistently sought to cut or reduce funding to UN groups. In his first term, he withdrew the US from the UN Human Rights Council and cut funding for UNRWA. He has continued this approach in his second term.
The UN’s Response
The UN has not publicly commented on the proposed legislation. However, in response to previous criticism, the organization has defended its neutrality and commitment to addressing global challenges.
Conclusion
The effort by Republican lawmakers to withdraw the United States from the United Nations reflects growing concerns about the organization’s alleged bias, ineffectiveness, and misalignment with American interests. While the proposed legislation faces an uncertain future, it underscores the ongoing debate over the UN’s role and relevance in the 21st century.
