DOGE Trains Sights on Geneva

Geneva’s international organisations and NGOs have expressed alarm over a recent questionnaire issued by the U.S. State Department, revealing a fundamental misunderstanding of the multilateral system, Le Temps reports. The document, which was distributed to recipients of U.S. funding, includes a series of politically charged questions, raising concerns about the future of American engagement in global governance.

Among the 36 questions, one asks whether the recipient can confirm that it does not collaborate with entities linked to communism, socialism, totalitarianism, or “any other entity that espouses anti-American beliefs.” Another inquires whether the funded project strengthens U.S. sovereignty by reducing dependence on international organisations, such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization.

The questionnaire, obtained by Le Temps journalist Philippe Mottaz, reflects the Trump administration’s “America First” approach, extending pressure on Geneva-based institutions already bracing for potential cuts to U.S. funding. Washington contributes 40.7% of the UN refugee agency’s budget and 44.6% of UNAIDS funding, making its role in international Geneva particularly significant.

Additionally, the questionnaire seeks to align recipients’ positions on gender identity with the U.S. administration’s stance, explicitly rejecting recognition of transgender individuals. It also scrutinises diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, prompting some organisations to preemptively remove references to such programmes from their official communications.

Observers have warned that the questionnaire’s ideological stance is at odds with the core principles of multilateral cooperation.. How can a UN agency – by nature multilateral – be expected to refuse funding from countries considered rivals or adversaries of the US? Cooperation is their very foundation.

The move comes amid broader shifts in U.S. government policy, particularly under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk. DOGE has drawn criticism for sweeping job cuts within the U.S. administration, sometimes rehiring previously dismissed employees without clear criteria. Sources cited by Le Temps suggest that the State Department’s questionnaire is less about efficiency and more about dismantling multilateral structures.

Musk has openly advocated for U.S. withdrawal from the United Nations, a move that would reverse America’s foundational role in creating the institution in 1945. While the UN has long faced calls for reform, a U.S. departure would mark a dramatic shift, jeopardizing nearly eight decades of efforts to uphold a rules-based international order.

The deadline for organisations to respond to the questionnaire is August 31. The potential consequences of their answers, however, could extend far beyond Geneva.

Original Article Translated and published by Geneva Solutions [Link]