US President Donald Trump’s administration is considering cutting ties with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) due to a leadership dispute over the appointment of its deputy high commissioner.Diplomats and UN officials are actively lobbying Washington to maintain support, as the US remains the agency’s largest donor.The potential withdrawal could severely weaken UNHCR, which faces a financial crisis after funding dropped by 30% in 2025.

The dispute centers on the appointment of Tressa Rae Finerty over a US-backed candidate, Simon Hankinson, who accused UNHCR of pursuing a 'mass migration agenda.' If the US withdraws funding, it would deal an existential blow to the agency, which supports millions of refugees globally.

UN officials have urged supporters to use diplomatic channels to prevent this move, while the Trump administration has not confirmed any changes to its engagement with UNHCR.