US-Venezuela Activist Calls to Defund United Nations Amidst Growing Criticism of Global Body

New York, NY – Daniel Di Martino, a prominent Venezuelan-American freedom activist and economist, has publicly called for the defunding of the United Nations, stating, "Defund the United Nations." The tweet by Di Martino, a Ph.D. candidate at Columbia University and founder of the Dissident Project, aligns with a broader conservative sentiment questioning the efficacy and financial burden of the international organization.

Di Martino, who experienced socialism firsthand in Venezuela, is a vocal advocate for free markets and limited government, frequently speaking on the dangers of socialist policies. His call reflects a perspective that views the UN as inefficient and potentially undermining national sovereignty.

The United Nations is primarily funded through assessed contributions from its 193 member states, determined by a formula based on economic capacity. The United States remains the largest single contributor, historically covering 22% of the regular budget and approximately 27% of peacekeeping costs, although Congress has often capped its peacekeeping contributions at 25%. Voluntary contributions from member states, corporations, and individuals also fund many UN agencies focused on humanitarian and development work, such as UNICEF and the World Food Programme.

Critics of the UN, including some US lawmakers, argue that the organization suffers from bureaucratic inefficiencies, a lack of accountability, and a perceived political bias. Concerns have been raised regarding its slow decision-making processes, resource misallocation, and resolutions seen as disproportionately targeting certain nations while failing to address critical global issues effectively. Recent legislative efforts, such as the proposed "DEFUND Act" in the US Congress, seek to cease all US financial support to the UN, citing similar concerns about financial misuse and anti-American stances.

Conversely, proponents of the UN emphasize its vital role in maintaining international peace and security, coordinating humanitarian aid, promoting human rights, and addressing global challenges like climate change and disease. They argue that significant cuts to UN funding could lead to severe humanitarian crises, weaken global cooperation, and diminish the influence of major donor nations like the United States on the international stage. The UN itself has acknowledged the need for reform, with Secretary-General António Guterres initiating internal reviews to enhance efficiency and streamline operations amidst ongoing financial challenges.