Revised Article:
Donald Trump's Peacemaker Victories, but is Guterres' Salary Boosting "Deep State" U.N.?
Global Leader Trump Steps into UN Role, Champions Peace Initiatives Worldwide While UN Secretary-General Earns Higher Salary at Pro-US Critique Organization
Donald Trump, abiding by his self-proclaimed reputation as a world-class deal-maker, has been tooting his horn, showcasing his administration's achievements in achieving peace deals on the global stage. He insists these victories are possible because world leaders "respect our country again."
Trump's latest successes include brokering ceasefires between countries like Iran and Israel, India, and Pakistan, as well as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. However, critics argue that U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres could learn a thing or two from Trump as a peacemaker.
Despite Trump's stellar performance on the world stage, Guterres' base salary is more than the commander-in-chief's. Now, at $418,348, Guterres pockets a hefty paycheck while overseeing an organization accused of anti-American bias, corruption, and waste.
Hugh Dugan, former National Security Council special assistant to the president and senior director for International Organization Affairs, wasn't hesitant to speak out to our Digital team. He criticized Guterres, stating, "Frankly, we put [Guterres] on this plateau as being on par with a pope or head of state, when, in fact, he's really an employee, and he's the country club manager, not the father of the bride, but he's calling all the shots when it comes to the ceremony and who sits where."
While Trump traditionally donates his $400,000 salary (and other presidential extras like a $50,000 allowance) to various government departments or programs, Guterres' $179,973 base salary (as per his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric) is just the beginning, as it does not account for additional perks like a lavish Manhattan residence and a personal chauffeur.
This discussion about salaries arises at a time when the UN is grappling with budgetary constraints, yet the focus on Guterres' lavish lifestyle and compensation raises questions about the UN's financial management and the potential harm it may inflict upon U.S. interests.
Last month, U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Dorothy Shea vocalized her concerns during the veto of an anti-Israel draft resolution at the U.N. Security Council, stating, "Engaging in this performative process at a time when serious questions are being asked about the utility of the U.N., its funding, and use of resources is shameful. This council should not be used in this way. This council must hold itself to a higher standard."
A senior Republican congressional staffer spoke candidly to our Digital team, stating, "United Nations officials are the ultimate global elites. They earn lavish salaries and live in lavish New York penthouses, paid for largely with American taxpayer money. A large number of the U.N. organizations they lead are controlled by China. When they're not in New York, they spend their time and resources traveling all over the world attacking America and American allies. The work of DOGE isn't done yet, and one step needs to be cutting off these officials from U.S. taxpayer money."
Beth Bailey is a journalist who covers Afghanistan, the Middle East, Asia, and Central America. Previously a civilian intelligence analyst with the Department of the Army, you can follow Beth on Twitter at @BWBailey85.
- The discussion about salaries in the United Nations, particularly the high salary of Secretary-General António Guterres compared to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, raises questions about the UN's financial management and potential harm to U.S. interests, particularly in the context of policy-and-legislation debates and general-news discussions about political accountability.
- AsAntónio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, enjoys a luxury lifestyle with perks like a lavish Manhattan residence and a personal chauffeur, while overseeing an organization accused of anti-American bias, corruption, and waste, concerns are being voiced by politicians and critics about the mismanagement of funds, war-and-conflicts implications, and the impact on U.S. interests in politics and policy-and-legislation.
