United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has sharply criticized US foreign policy, warning that global rules are being replaced by sheer power as Washington questions the relevance of multilateral institutions.
The remarks came during a BBC interview amid growing tensions between the United States and the United Nations under President Donald Trump.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Guterres said the United States appears to believe that “the power of law should be replaced by the law of power.”
He argued that US foreign policy increasingly relies on its influence rather than international norms, adding that Washington shows a clear conviction that multilateral solutions are no longer relevant.
Guterres’ comments follow recent US intervention in Venezuela and President Donald Trump’s public insistence that the United States must “own Greenland.”
Trump has long expressed skepticism toward the United Nations and other global bodies, often questioning their effectiveness and relevance.
UN presence in US shrinking
The remarks also come as parts of the UN scale back their presence in the United States.
The UN Development Programme announced on Monday it will relocate nearly 400 New York–based positions to Europe, with most jobs moving to Germany and Spain.
Trump’s repeated criticism of UN
President Trump has repeatedly criticized the UN, telling world leaders during the 2025 UN General Assembly that the organization “did not even try” to help end conflicts he claimed his administration resolved independently.
In September 2025, Trump took his criticism directly to the UN Security Council, saying the body often creates new problems rather than solving existing ones.
Guterres admits limits of influence
Responding to such criticism, Guterres said the UN has been “extremely engaged” in efforts to end global conflicts.
However, he conceded that major powers wield stronger leverage, admitting the organization often struggles to compel compliance with its charter.
Critics of the UN argue it is ineffective, politically biased, and disproportionately funded by the United States.
They also point to the veto power held by rivals such as China and Russia on the Security Council, which often blocks action on major conflicts.
Call for Security Council reform renewed
Guterres renewed calls to reform the UN Security Council, saying its structure no longer reflects today’s world.
He criticized the fact that three European countries hold permanent seats, arguing the council does not “give voice to the whole world” and remains gridlocked by vetoes used to advance national interests — including by the US and Russia in conflicts such as Ukraine and Gaza.
Fox News Digital reported that it has reached out to the White House for comment on Guterres’ remarks. As of now, no response has been received.
