Trump’s ‘WTF Hiring’ & UN Row: DEI, Melania & the Erosion of Expertise

The question on many minds this week isn’t about geopolitical strategy or urgent humanitarian crises, but rather: why is Melania Trump, the former First Lady of the United States, leading a session of the United Nations Security Council? The announcement, made late last week, has raised eyebrows and sparked debate about the Trump administration’s approach to multilateralism and the qualifications required for such a prominent role.

A Shift in Priorities: DEI and the “WTF Economy”

The backdrop to this unusual appointment is the Trump administration’s stated dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. During his recent State of the Union address, Donald Trump boasted about having “ended DEI in America.” Whereas the extent of this claim is debated – as K-12 Dive reports the claim isn’t entirely accurate – the administration has undeniably pushed for a rollback of DEI policies in many sectors. This shift appears to be part of a broader pattern, one described as a “WTF economy” where traditional qualifications seem less important than loyalty and association with the former president. As Arwa Mahdawi points out, in this new landscape, being “Wealthy, Trumpy, and/or Fox News-famous” seems to be enough for success.

The UN Session: Children, Technology, and Conflict

Mrs. Trump will preside over a Security Council session titled “Children, Technology, and Education in Conflict” on Monday. This marks the first time a sitting US First Lady will lead such a meeting, a fact highlighted by the White House. The choice is particularly striking given the precedent of requiring some level of expertise or experience for such a role. While Mrs. Trump has shown interest in issues related to children and responsible technology – including ventures into cryptocurrency, memoir publishing, and film production – her public engagement with multilateral diplomacy has been limited.

A Signal of Disregard for Multilateralism?

The appointment is widely seen as a deliberate signal from the Trump administration regarding its view of the United Nations. President Trump has a long history of expressing skepticism towards international organizations, notably withdrawing the US from the World Health Organization (WHO) during his first term. While President Biden briefly rejoined the WHO, Trump reversed that decision last year, with the US formally leaving the organization again. A recent executive order saw the US withdraw from 66 international organizations, based on the assertion that their interests conflict with those of the United States.

The “Board of Peace” and Potential Profiteering

Adding to this context is the establishment of Trump’s “Board of Peace,” a parallel initiative that has raised concerns about its potential to undermine the UN’s authority. The US currently owes over $4 billion in UN arrears, but has only paid $160 million. However, Trump recently announced a plan to transfer $10 billion from the US government to this Board, which is chaired by the president and includes figures like Jared Kushner. Critics suggest this board is less about peace and more about rampant profiteering, particularly given Kushner’s interest in Gaza’s potential for development. Daniel Forti, head of UN affairs at the International Crisis Group, has stated that this retreat from the UN system signals a desire by the US to “dictate its own terms” and “set the agenda.”

Broader Concerns and Global Implications

The appointment of Melania Trump to lead the Security Council session is not an isolated event. It’s part of a larger pattern of the Trump administration challenging the norms of international cooperation and prioritizing its own agenda. This approach extends to the ongoing situation in Gaza, where the US’s actions are being scrutinized. The broader implications of this shift are significant, potentially weakening the UN’s ability to address global challenges effectively. The question remains whether this is a deliberate attempt to undermine the credibility of the UN, as suggested by Mahdawi, or simply a reflection of a new era in US foreign policy where traditional qualifications are less valued.

What Comes Next: A Watchlist for Multilateral Engagement

The coming months will be crucial in observing how the Trump administration continues to engage with the UN and other international organizations. Key areas to watch include the funding and activities of the “Board of Peace,” any further withdrawals from international agreements, and the US’s stance on key Security Council resolutions. Diplomats are already expressing concern that the Board of Peace could evolve into an alternative forum to the UN, one firmly controlled by the US. Several diplomats have voiced these worries. The UN’s response to these developments will also be critical in determining the future of multilateralism.