United States ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, announced a $285 million reduction to the UN operating budget, $35 million more than an original goal one diplomat described as “nearly impossible.”
“The inefficiency and overspending of the United Nations are well known,” Haley announced in a statement. “We will no longer let the generosity of the American people be taken advantage of or remain unchecked.”
A – freaking – men!
The $285 slash in the UN’s budget comes on top of an already proposed $200 million savings plan by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
.@AlanDersh on @nikkihaley announcing $285M cut in 2018-19 UN operating budget: “It’s about time we sent a message to the U.N.” pic.twitter.com/JLpAfjjmwQ
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 25, 2017
In mid-December, Agence France-Presse reported that the United States was seeking the additional $250 million cut to the UN’s core budget.
That number represented a 5% reduction, something one diplomat said “would be nearly impossible to achieve.”
Haley and the Trump Administration not only achieved the ‘impossible,’ they tacked on another $35 million in savings for the American taxpayer.
Even though we are spending time with our families, .@nikkihaley& .@POTUS are busy working. $285M to be cut from UN budget for 2018-2019 time period. Great job! 🇺🇸#MAGA🇺🇸 https://t.co/kgh25xj1af
— Diane Boyd (@Boyd_2650) December 25, 2017
Aside from the dollar signs, Haley laid out a vision for the renegotiated budget allocations with the UN.
“In addition to these significant cost savings, we reduced the UN’s bloated management and support functions, bolstered support for key US priorities throughout the world and instilled more discipline and accountability throughout the UN system,” she said.
The massive budget cuts come on the heels of some bad blood between Haley, the Trump Administration, and the UN, which has a history of anti-Americanism within its assembly.
The body recently voted against the United States for officially recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Haley responded by dismissing the vote as irrelevant.
“America will put our embassy in Jerusalem,” she told the assembly. “That is what the American people want us to do. And it is the right thing to do. No vote in the UN will make any difference on this.”
The President responded by threatening to reduce funding from those countries who voted against the U.S.
‘Let them vote against us, we’ll save a lot. We don’t care!’ #Trump vows to cut foreign aid to those countries planning to vote against the recognition of #Jerusalem as #Israel‘s capital https://t.co/42uLG1CVsV pic.twitter.com/8QVhmbrliC
— RT (@RT_com) December 21, 2017
“We’re watching those votes,” Trump said.
“You’re going to see a change in the way we do business,” Haley said when she first assumed the role of Ambassador to the United Nations.
The change is palpable, and it has to infuriate officials at the UN.
“Just 5 months into our time here, we’ve cut over half a billion $$$ from the UN peacekeeping budget & we’re only getting started.” pic.twitter.com/LA7IKqupff
— Nikki Haley (@nikkihaley) June 29, 2017
The UN and its body better rethink their strategy of disrespecting America and her allies.
Should the US stop funding the UN altogether? Share your thoughts below!
