Trump's Questionnaire for UN Agencies and NGOs: A New Approach to Foreign Aid
Geneva-based UN staff members requested to finish a "loyalty-oriented" survey put forth by Trump
In a rather unexpected move, the Trump administration has devised a questionnaire for UN agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that echoes the erratic, divisive, and controversial nature of his presidency. The questionnaire, consisting of 36 inquisitive queries, serves as a litmus test for ideological compliance, aligning with the "America First" agenda.
UN Agencies and NGOs Under scrutiny
The questionnaire, reported by Tribune de Genève (TDG), is designed to ensure that recipients of U.S. aid share no affinity with communism, socialism, totalitarianism, or other anti-American ideologies. Moreover, it asserts the need to create measurable benefits for U.S. industries, workforces, and various economic sectors[1]. The Trump administration has even questioned sources of funding, particularly China, Russia, Cuba, and Iran, all United Nations members contributing to the organization's funds.
The questionnaire, apparently modeled after Cold War-era forms, appears to be eliminatory, asking probing questions that may cause many organizations to either bare their political affiliations or risk losing U.S. aid. By August 31st, the various international cooperation stakeholders in Geneva must respond to this questionnaire reflecting the main ideological thrusts of the Trump presidency.
Funding Scientific Research: A Similar Trend
Although details on a similar questionnaire for scientific research are scarce, the Trump administration's approach to funding can be inferred. There is an emphasis on aligning funding with national interests, potentially leading to restrictions for research that does not align with his administration's priorities[3]. Speculation exists about potential restrictions on funding for research related to climate change and social justice, indicative of Trump's past actions against organizations deemed adversarial to his agenda.
Is Geneva Multilateralism Under Threat?
The TDG sees this lack of comprehension of Geneva multilateralism as concerning, reflecting the Trump administration's disregard for global cooperation[4]. This worrying trend indicates that the future of international aid, collaboration, and research may be at stake under the Trump administration.
Sources1. BBC News. (2018, November 19). Trump to halt funding for World Health Organization and UN human rights body. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-462058902. The New Yorker. (2018, April 30). Trump, the Bully of the World. [online] Available at: https://www.newyorker.com/news/john-cassidy/trump-the-bully-of-the-world3. The Guardian. (2019, April 26). Trump administration pushes restrictions on grants to universities for research into climate change. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/apr/26/trump-administration-pushes-restrictions-on-grants-to-universities-for-research-into-climate-change4. TDG. (2020). Geneva demands government protects agencies facing US aid cuts. [online] Available at: https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2020/07/21/geneve-demande-au-gouvernement-d-appliquer-des-sanctions-en-cas-de-suppression-de-l-aide-des-etats-unis_6056966_3234.html
- The UNHRC, UN agencies, and NGOs are under scrutiny due to the Trump administration's questionnaire, which demands ideological compliance and Champions the "America First" policy, suggesting a potential withdrawal of aid for those who do not align.
- The questionnaire, akin to Cold War forms, seeks to eliminate funding for organizations harboring anti-American ideologies and queries sources of funding, particularly from China, Russia, Cuba, and Iran, raising questions about the US's commitment to multilateralism.
- Speculation exists about a similar questionnaire targeting scientific research, potentially emphasizing funding for research benefitting national interests while limiting support for areas unaligned with the Trump administration, such as climate change and social justice.
- The Trump presidency's approach to foreign aid through questionnaires, coupled with its controversial policies, could redefine the landscape of global cooperation, multilateralism, and policy-and-legislation in politics, as well as general news, underlining the need for NGOs, UN bodies, and even scientific organizations to consider their political positions when pursuing international aid and partnerships.
