Bipartisan Support Emerges for Continued U.S. Involvement in UN Agencies

A new study conducted by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland highlights a surprising consensus among Americans regarding the United States' role in the United Nations (UN). As President Trump advances executive orders to reassess American commitments to various UN agencies, significant majorities from both Republican and Democratic sides reject a disengagement from the UN.

The survey, which polled a national sample of 1,209 adults, reveals that 79% of respondents support continued U.S. participation in the World Health Organization (WHO), alongside other critical agencies such as the International Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Program. This overwhelming agreement underscores a disconnection between governmental actions and public sentiment.

As the Trump administration aims to withdraw from several UN organizations and impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) over accusations that it undermines U.S. interests, survey results indicate that such measures lack strong public approval. Only 29% of those surveyed backed the idea of sanctioning ICC staff in response to their activities. In stark contrast, a resounding 70% favored alternative methods, such as publicly criticizing the ICC or taking no action at all.

The survey provided respondents with detailed background information on the various UN agencies, emphasizing their roles and the level of U.S. financial contributions. Participants were then asked to evaluate various arguments for and against U.S. engagement with the UN, including perceptions of it as a “bloated bureaucracy” or an important platform for collaborative global problem-solving. While both sides of the argument resonated with respondents, support for continued engagement was found to be stronger overall.

Particularly striking was the bipartisan desire for the U.S. to maintain or even increase its cooperative activities with the UN, with 84% indicating that the U.S. should either sustain its current level of involvement or work more closely with UN agencies.

This survey not only reflects a unified stance among the American populace but also raises pertinent questions about the direction of U.S. foreign policy. While the administration cites issues related to the efficacy and structure of the UN, the public largely believes in the importance of multilateral cooperation to tackle global challenges such as health crises, food insecurity, and humanitarian efforts.

Furthermore, when asked about the potential for the U.S. to join the ICC, a majority of 62% expressed support for membership, reflecting broad recognition of the ICC's commitment to international justice, despite concerns regarding potential political repercussions stemming from such an alliance.

As this conversation continues to unfold, it remains crucial to assess how the views of constituents will influence policymakers. The survey's findings indicate a substantial desire for the U.S. to engage with global governance structures rather than retreating from them. Ultimately, the outcome may challenge the administration's current trajectory regarding international partnerships.

By promoting dialogue and understanding about the functions and responsibilities of international organizations, the U.S. can reinforce its commitment to being a responsible global citizen. As the international landscape evolves, American public opinion may play a pivotal role in reshaping U.S. involvement in multilateral issues moving forward.