Republican Lawmakers Push for U.S. Exit from the U.N.

FIRST ON FOX: In an unexpected move, several Republican lawmakers have initiated a bold legislative effort to withdraw the United States from the United Nations (U.N.). This decision stems from growing concerns that the U.N. does not adequately serve American interests or align with President Donald Trump’s “America First” ideology.

The Legislative Proposal

On Thursday, Sen. Mike Lee of Utah introduced a bill titled the Disengaging Entirely From the United Nations Debacle Act of 2025. The proposed legislation seeks to terminate U.S. membership in the U.N. along with any affiliated agencies and to halt all financial contributions to these entities. Joining Lee in co-sponsoring this measure is Sen. Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee.

In the House of Representatives, Rep. Chip Roy from Texas is set to introduce a companion measure, asserting that the U.N. and its associated bodies do not further the interests of the American populace.

Criticism of the U.N.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Sen. Lee expressed his concerns, stating, “The United Nations has devolved into a platform for tyrants and a venue to attack America and her allies. We should stop paying for it.” He emphasized the intention to align U.S. foreign policy with the priorities established by President Trump, which, according to Lee, necessitates a withdrawal from what he describes as a “sham organization.”

The U.S. is the largest single contributor to the U.N., providing over billion in 2022, which represents approximately one-third of the organization’s total budget. Rep. Roy echoed Lee’s sentiments, declaring, “The United Nations has enjoyed American tax money while often undermining our interests, attacking our allies, and bolstering our adversaries.”

A Call for Accountability

Rep. Roy elaborated further, questioning the effectiveness of the U.N. by asking, “What has the United Nations achieved?” He highlighted failures such as the inability to prevent wars, genocides, human rights abuses, and pandemics over the past decades. His remarks draw attention to the U.N.’s mixed record in addressing global crises.

Among the U.N. agencies scrutinized by lawmakers is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This organization, responsible for aiding Palestinian refugees, has come under fire following recent investigations revealing that some of its employees may have had links to militant activities associated with Hamas in the October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel. In response to these revelations, the U.S. government paused funding for UNRWA in January 2024.

Republican Support for the Bill

A host of Republican lawmakers has rallied around the legislation, with notable co-sponsors including Reps. Mike Rogers (AL), Eli Crane (AZ), Diana Harshbarger (TN), Anna Paulina Luna (FL), Harriet Hageman (WY), Josh Brecheen (OK), Thomas Massie (KY), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA).

This legislation proposes a significant shift in U.S. engagement with the U.N., stipulating that the U.S. will not partake in peace negotiations involving the U.N. Furthermore, it restricts the executive branch from entering into any form of agreements with the U.N. or its subsidiaries unless explicitly approved by the Senate.

The Political Landscape

The call to withdraw from the U.N. is not limited to Republican lawmakers. Discontent with the U.N.’s actions has transcended party lines, as evidenced by a letter sent in October 2024, where 11 Democrats joined their Republican colleagues to express dissatisfaction with the U.N.’s perceived bias against Israel. The letter accused the U.N. of abandoning neutrality and taking a definitive stance against Israel in resolutions concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The letter emphasized the demand for the U.N. to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist and condemned the body for what they perceived as ongoing hostility toward a key U.S. ally.

Public Opinion and Future Implications

Public sentiment towards the U.N. showcases a significant divide among American citizens. According to a Pew Research Center survey released in April 2024, over 70% of Democrats and liberal-leaning independents view the U.N. favorably. In stark contrast, only 34% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents share the same positive outlook on the organization. This division highlights the broader ideological rift on foreign policy within the U.S.

During his presidency, Donald Trump championed cuts to U.N. funding and took decisive steps to withdraw from various U.N. bodies, including the Human Rights Council. His administration’s actions set a precedent that could influence future discussions about America’s role within international organizations.

Conclusion

The push by Republican legislators to withdraw from the U.N. marks a significant moment in U.S. foreign policy discourse. As the nation debates the merits and drawbacks of global engagement through entities like the U.N., the outcome of this legislation could redefine America’s international presence and commitments. As lawmakers navigate the complexities of these discussions, the ramifications of such decisions will undoubtedly resonate both domestically and globally.

Fox News’ Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.