António Guterres on Donald Trump
TL;DR
António Guterres frequently criticizes Donald Trump's administration for undermining global cooperation and international law in favor of unilateral power.
Key Points
The former US President's administration was linked to funding cuts that threatened to cripple the UN's global peacekeeping operations.
The Secretary-General has explicitly criticized the US for relying on its power and influence over established international law norms.
During a September 2025 meeting, Trump told Guterres that the U.S. was “behind the United Nations one hundred per cent” despite occasional disagreements.
Summary
António Guterres expresses deep concern regarding the policies enacted by Donald Trump, viewing them as a direct threat to the multilateral system the UN champions. The Secretary-General explicitly stated that the U.S. foreign policy under the former president reflects a conviction that the “power of law should be replaced by the law of power,” indicating a reliance on influence over international norms. This criticism is evidenced by actions such as the U.S. withdrawal from multiple UN agencies and a key climate treaty following the announcement of drastic cuts to humanitarian aid funding.
This divergence in philosophy is central to the friction between the two figures, particularly as Guterres warns of forces undermining global cooperation. His position has been consistently negative toward the Trump administration's unilateral approach, which he suggests has pushed the UN to its financial brink, threatening peacekeeping operations. Furthermore, Guterres has called for a reform of the Security Council, arguing its current structure, including the power of veto used by major powers, no longer reflects the modern world or prevents gridlock in conflicts.
Key Quotes
“One thing is for me extremely important, it is that the suffering, the horrible suffering of millions of people in the world can be stopped. And we fully appreciate your engagement in that regard.”
“We are waiting for you.”
Frequently Asked Questions
António Guterres's position is strongly negative, centering on the view that Donald Trump's administration consistently undermined global cooperation. He has accused the former president's foreign policy of prioritizing the “law of power” over established international law and multilateral solutions.
The UN chief criticized Trump for withdrawing the U.S. from key international agreements, including a major climate treaty. Guterres also expressed concern over the U.S. slashing humanitarian aid contributions, thereby threatening UN operations and financial stability.
Yes, following a meeting in September 2025, the Secretary-General acknowledged that the former president affirmed his country was “behind the United Nations one hundred per cent.” Guterres appreciated the stated potential for peace he saw, though his broader commentary remains critical of the administration's actions.
Sources5
Guterres warns of 'powerful forces' undermining 'global cooperation'
UN chief accuses US of ditching international law as Trump blasts global bodies
UNGA80 / GUTERRES TRUMP BILATERAL | UN Audiovisual Library
UN chief says the U.S. has 'legal obligation' to fund agencies after Trump's withdrawal order
Emergency Meeting on the Military Escalation in the Middle East
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.