WASHINGTON — The outgoing U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, has expressed concerns regarding the decline of American leadership on the global stage during the first term of Donald Trump. She observed that this decline allowed China to take advantage of the situation. Thomas-Greenfield cautioned that a similar scenario could unfold if Trump were to reclaim the presidency in the future, potentially inviting adversaries to exploit the power vacuum left behind.
In a comprehensive interview, Thomas-Greenfield noted that the Joe Biden administration has witnessed a renewal of U.S. engagement on the world front, restoring alliances and revitalizing American influence internationally. She remarked, “That is the gift that we hand over to the next administration,” expressing hope that her successors would embrace this gift positively.
In a brief meeting with Trump’s nominee for U.N. ambassador, Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the significance of the U.N. and underscored the need for the U.S. not to cede ground to its adversaries. She warned that such rivals, if allowed to gain a foothold, could alter fundamental international “rules of the road.”
During his first term, Trump characterized the United Nations as merely “a club for people to get together, talk and have a good time.” His administration paused funding for U.N. health and family planning agencies while withdrawing from UNESCO and its prominent human rights committee. Given the U.S.’s status as the largest single donor to the U.N., this has raised concerns regarding the future trajectory of American support for the organization.
Stefanik, in her remarks, has called for a thorough re-evaluation of U.S. contributions to the U.N., labeling it a “den of antisemitism” and advocating for a continuation of the funding suspension for UNRWA, the U.N. agency responsible for Palestinian refugees. Although Thomas-Greenfield acknowledged that the U.N. has its flaws and needs reform, she cited a remark from former U.N. ambassador Madeleine Albright, stating that if the U.N. did not exist, it would need to be created.
She highlighted the U.N.’s pivotal role in addressing significant global challenges ranging from armed conflict to humanitarian crises, and emphasized the necessity of the U.S. remaining engaged in order to influence and collaborate within the international framework. The U.N. Security Council, the organization’s most powerful body tasked with maintaining peace, is an essential platform where Thomas-Greenfield advised Stefanik to quickly familiarize herself with all members, including permanent members with veto power, Russia and China.
Reflecting on her tenure, Thomas-Greenfield delivered an emotional farewell address to the Security Council, spotlighting the crisis in Sudan and lamenting the lack of resolution in regions such as Gaza, Ukraine, and Congo. She conveyed to news outlets that proactive international engagement is crucial for resolving these ongoing conflicts, highlighting that in the case of Sudan, the international community could have acted more decisively to alleviate suffering sooner.
With a career that began in academia and included years spent in Liberia, Thomas-Greenfield climbed the ranks to become an influential figure in U.S. foreign policy, serving as assistant secretary of state for African affairs before her appointment as U.N. ambassador, which came after retirement. She emphasized the importance of Africa and its resources, particularly its youth, stating, “Africa is an extraordinarily young continent,” mentioning that these young individuals represent the future.
Drawing on her Louisiana heritage, she described her approach to diplomacy as “gumbo diplomacy,” symbolizing the blending of diverse perspectives to foster collective solutions. She noted that this method has proven fruitful, contributing to over 200 U.N. resolutions adopted during her tenure, with 77 being U.S.-drafted. Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised her ability to connect with individuals from various backgrounds using her “gumbo diplomacy,” balancing intellect with heartfelt engagement.
Looking ahead, Thomas-Greenfield intends to spend quality time with her grandchildren while mentoring college students to inspire the next generation of leaders who will engage in multilateral diplomacy. She encouraged young Black men and women to “dream big” and remain flexible in their pursuits, advising them to explore unintended paths if their original aspirations do not materialize.
