The U.S. government under the Trump administration is requiring United Nations humanitarian agencies that receive or handle American funding to complete a questionnaire aimed at identifying any affiliations with communism, socialism, or anti-American ideologies. This move, according to U.S. and U.N. officials and a copy of the survey, aligns with broader efforts by the administration to scrutinize the efficacy and alignment of foreign assistance and domestic programs with government values.
Prominent agencies such as UNICEF and the U.N. Refugee Agency, among others, have been requested to complete the survey through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The questionnaire delves into various concerns of the Trump administration, including whether these agencies endorse initiatives on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts—a point of contention in American politics.
Though the extent to which this survey has been distributed remains unclear, verification comes from a USAID staffer, a government official, and several U.N. representatives. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric acknowledged that multiple agencies brought these questionnaires to his attention.
Anonymous officials indicated concerns about potential repercussions for discussing the document publicly. This initiative reflects the Trump administration’s broader agenda to eliminate perceived inefficiency and misuse of federal resources, an effort that includes reevaluating foreign aid programs. Notably, Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted an 83% reduction in programs abroad operated by USAID, America’s primary international assistance organization.
The questionnaire consists of routine inquiries concerning risk management frameworks, juxtaposed with contentious topics such as abortion-related services and involvement in DEI or “gender ideology” activities. Respondents are asked to verify that their project is not an environmental or climate-related initiative and to affirm that they encourage free speech without association to entities linked to communist, socialist, or anti-U.S. stances.
A specific question challenges the role of U.N. agencies, inquiring whether projects reinforce U.S. sovereignty by minimizing dependence on global organizations like the U.N. or WHO. Additionally, organizations must assess the project’s impact on preventing illegal immigration to the U.S. and countering foreign influence, with particular reference to China.
Despite significant cuts to USAID programs, staff members are still tasked with distributing the questionnaire. The emphasis is on compliance even as the administration reshapes its international aid priorities. Some experts, like a former diplomat, express discomfort at the intrusive nature of the survey, arguing it misrepresents the fundamentally diverse work of international organizations.
According to Thomas Shannon, a former U.S. diplomat under previous administrations, diversity within the U.N. is inherent due to its 193-member countries. Shannon argues that these programs do not push “woke” ideology but address substantial global challenges, hoping the U.S. recognizes the importance of such work without exception.
