Key facts
- The Trump administration is refusing to work with UNHCR's new Deputy High Commissioner, Tressa Rae Finerty.
- Finerty has taken leave as she seeks a waiver from the US government for her duties.
- The US previously considered cutting ties with UNHCR and did not support Finerty's appointment.
- The US State Department stated it works with UNHCR when it advances US foreign policy interests.
- UNHCR requested a partial waiver for Finerty, particularly for multilateral meetings attended by US State Department officials.
- The US contributed over $800 million to UNHCR in 2025, but this dropped to around $110 million this year.
The Trump administration is refusing to engage with the newly appointed Deputy High Commissioner at the United Nations refugee agency, Tressa Rae Finerty, creating tensions between the US and UNHCR at a time of significant funding challenges. Finerty, an American diplomat, has taken leave as she seeks a waiver from the US government to perform aspects of her role, according to diplomatic sources. This situation is viewed by some diplomats as a retaliatory measure after UNHCR did not select Washington's preferred candidate, Simon Hankinson.
A State Department spokesperson stated that the US works with UNHCR when it aligns with US foreign policy interests but declined to comment on pending legal issues. Finerty herself did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The standoff occurs as UNHCR faces one of its most severe funding crises, exacerbated by aid cuts from the Trump administration and others, coinciding with record levels of global displacement. Finerty, a career diplomat, is currently unable to directly interact with US officials due to post-employment restrictions applicable to former US government personnel, which carry potential legal penalties for violations.
UNHCR confirmed it requested a partial waiver from the US government late last month, specifically concerning her participation in multilateral meetings attended by US State Department officials. The agency expressed hope for a swift and favorable resolution, emphasizing that its operations and reform agenda continue at full pace.
Diplomats and UN staff noted that such waivers are typically granted routinely for other former US staff joining international bodies, making Finerty's situation unusual. The Deputy High Commissioner traditionally plays a crucial role in engaging with major donors like the US, and Finerty's inability to do so could complicate UNHCR's fundraising efforts. The US, a long-standing major donor, contributed over $800 million to UNHCR in 2025, representing nearly a quarter of its $3.6 billion in contributions, though this figure dropped to approximately $110 million this year.