The Trump’s administration has reportedly suspended funding to the World Trade Organisation ,WTO, led by Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Daily Intel could not independently confirm the report, but Reuters cited three trade sources.
The report further noted that the Trump administration is distancing itself from global institutions that it views as conflicting with its “America First” economic policies.
According to the report, as part of a broader review of federal spending, the Trump’s administration plans to withdraw from specific organisations, such as the World Health Organisation, and has reduced contributions to others.
Additionally, it was noted that the Geneva-based trade watchdog had a projected annual budget of 205 million Swiss francs ($232.06 million) in 2024.
The United States was expected to contribute approximately 11% of that amount, based on a fee system aligned with its share of global trade, according to public WTO records.
The report further stated that the United States’ 2024 and 2025 budgets for the WTO were put on hold, pending a review of its contributions to international organisations.
It was also noted that the United States would notify the WTO of the outcome at an unspecified date, according to two trade sources with direct knowledge of the meeting.
A third trade source confirmed their account, adding that the WTO was working on a “Plan B” in case the funding pause is extended, although they did not provide further details.
All three sources requested anonymity because the budget discussion was private, and the U.S. funding suspension has not been publicly announced.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Last month, a State Department spokesperson stated that President Trump signed an executive order directing Secretary of State Marco Rubio to review all international organisations the U.S. belongs to within 180 days “to determine whether they align with U.S. interests.”
