The Trump administration is apparently still stewing about the UN's vote on Jerusalem last week. Ambassador Nikki Haley issued a stark statement tying US financial support of the UN with whether it met US demands—the fourth time in a week's time the US has done so, the New York Times notes. To wit, the US government says it negotiated a significant cut in the UN budget, reports the AP. In a statement Sunday, the US Mission to the UN said the UN's 2018-2019 budget would be slashed by more $285 million, noting reductions would also be made to the UN's "bloated" management and support functions. The announcement didn't make clear the entire amount of the budget or specify what effect the cut would have on the US contribution.
Haley said the "inefficiency and overspending" of the organization is well-known, that "we will not let the generosity of the American people be taken advantage of," and that the US would continue to "look at ways to increase the UN's efficiency while protecting our interests." The Times notes this stance is in line with President Trump's ongoing criticism of the UN, which last December he tweeted was "sad" and "just a club for people to get together, talk and have a good time." But critics say the US' approach could backfire and end up "subverting respect," per the Times, and human rights groups note that while they agree inefficiencies should be cut, they're keeping a wary eye on developments. "It’s crucial that we don't curtail the UN's ability ... to save the lives of men, women, and children worldwide," says the UN director at Human Rights Watch.
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