UN Security Department Faces Deep Cuts Following USAID Funding Reduction Linked to Trump-Era Policies
Internal United Nations emails obtained by Fox News Digital reveal a growing crisis within the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), triggered by a reduction in funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The funding cuts, allegedly stemming from policies enacted during the administration of former President Donald Trump, are having a significant impact on the department’s operations and staffing levels, raising concerns about the UN’s ability to maintain security in some of the world’s most dangerous regions.
According to an email sent by Milan Victor Dawoh, president of the UN Field Staff Union, the USAID funding cut resulted in the removal of approximately $30 million from the department’s extra-budgetary resources. This has led to a substantial decrease in staffing, with UNDSS expected to lose 100 employees and eliminate its physical presence in 35 to 45 countries.
The situation is so dire, Dawoh warns, that the UN is currently experiencing its worst liquidity crisis since its establishment, with conditions expected to worsen before any improvement can be expected. The reduction in UNDSS’s reach raises concerns about the safety and security of UN personnel operating in the affected regions.
The remaining 120 countries where UNDSS will maintain a presence will be served by regional hubs. Dawoh’s email also references an initiative called "UN80 INITIATIVE" that appears to show the world body’s panic over the possibility of further funding cuts.
The under secretary-general of UNDSS, according to the email, emphasized that UNDSS is not a protection agency but rather a risk management and analysis entity. The distinction is meant to be clearly communicated to staff.
UNDSS describes itself on its website as a global leader in security risk management principles. It states its mission is to enable the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programs and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing resources.
Fox News Digital reached out to Dawoh for comment on the authenticity of the email and the exact portion of the UNDSS budget that was previously covered by USAID funding, but received no response.
The situation underscores the ongoing debate about the United States’ financial contributions to the United Nations and the potential consequences of reducing those contributions. Earlier this month, UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned about the impact of cuts to U.S. spending at the UN, stating that going through with recent funding cuts will make the world less healthy, less safe, and less prosperous.
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, clarified that UNDSS received approximately $20 million from USAID the previous year. He confirmed that some of this funding has been terminated, while other projects will continue with USAID support.
Haq also sought to downplay the significance of the USAID cuts, arguing that extra-budgetary funding from USAID represents a relatively small proportion of the department’s overall budget. He said that most of the department’s funding comes from the UN regular budget, a UN cost-sharing mechanism, and the peace support account.
According to Haq, UNDSS has 2,250 personnel around the globe, supporting the security of – and enabling operations by – 180,000 U.N. personnel. He emphasized that the majority of the department’s workforce is in the field, with a much smaller percentage based at the New York headquarters.
The Deputy Spokesman stressed the importance of providing effective security for UN personnel serving in the world’s most dangerous places, as they work to save lives.
Haq also addressed a separate incident involving the temporary closure of one staff entrance to U.N. headquarters, which was mentioned in an email sent to multiple U.N. mailing groups on March 19. He clarified that this closure was unrelated to the UNDSS funding cuts from USAID.
Haq explained that funding for the UNHQ premises does not come from USAID, and that the temporary closure was instead a result of some member states’ non-payment of dues.
However, a U.N. source speaking on condition of anonymity painted a more alarming picture of the situation, stating that U.N. staff are very fearful of their immediate future amid the financial uncertainty. The source expressed concerns about the ability of staff to collect pensions and access their United Nations Federal Credit Union accounts.
The source also highlighted the potential impact on staff members holding G-4 visas, indicating that the job losses could even affect their ability to remain in the U.S. The source emphasized that the implications extend beyond the individuals losing their jobs, impacting families and potentially triggering a massive wave of disruption in the coming weeks as new cuts affect other U.N. agencies.
Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for insight on how employees would be impacted by the layoffs but received no response.
The funding cuts and resulting turmoil within UNDSS come amid calls for increased U.N. reform. A month prior, President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for a review of funding to the U.N. At the time, Trump stated that the world body has tremendous potential but is not being well run.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between the United States’ role as a major financial contributor to the UN and its right to demand reforms and accountability within the organization. The cuts to USAID funding, whether directly linked to Trump-era policies or a result of broader budgetary constraints, have exposed vulnerabilities within UNDSS and raised concerns about the safety and security of UN personnel operating in high-risk environments. The impact on staff morale and the potential loss of experienced personnel could further undermine the department’s ability to effectively manage risks and ensure the safe delivery of UN programs around the world.
