Key facts
- The Trump administration was reportedly considering disengaging from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).
- Diplomats and UN officials have been lobbying to prevent the US from cutting ties.
- The United States has historically been UNHCR's largest financial backer.
- UN refugee chief Barham Salih expressed hope for continued partnership with Washington.
- A State Department spokesperson confirmed no changes to Washington's engagement with UNHCR.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih, expressed optimism regarding the continuation of the partnership between the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the United States, despite reports that the Trump administration was considering a split. Diplomats and UN officials have been actively lobbying to prevent Washington from disengaging from the agency, which has historically been its largest financial backer.
Sources told Reuters that the US had been considering ending its engagement with UNHCR, a move that would significantly impact global refugee assistance efforts. The deliberations are part of President Donald Trump's broader reassessment of US participation in international organizations, following executive orders in January and February 2026 that directed reviews of UN bodies and funding. UNHCR was reportedly under review, prompting urgent lobbying efforts.
Despite these concerns, a State Department spokesperson stated that there had been no changes to Washington's engagement with UNHCR, though they noted that the US would continue to evaluate its role in international organizations. Salih emphasized the vital nature of the US partnership, which has supported refugee operations for decades across various global conflicts.