Part 6/12:
The discussion then turned to potential budget cuts and financial maneuvering within the US government. With multiple reconciliation bills on the horizon, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson hints at further cuts to federal spending, possibly targeting large contributors like the UN. Fonda pointed out that the US provides significant value to the UN, catering to its diplomatic staff, real estate in New York, and diplomatic privileges like immunity from local laws—yet, the US resents any perceived disrespect or overreach by UN entities.
Fonda warned that these tensions could lead to a reckoning, where the US might decide to reduce its contributions unless the UN aligns more closely with American interests and values.