US-UNHCR tensions rise over deputy chief's waiver

Tensions have escalated between the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, and the Trump administration over the deputy chief's request for a waiver to carry out her duties. Tressa Rae Finerty, an American appointed as Deputy High Commissioner at UNHCR earlier this month, is seeking a waiver from the US government. She has temporarily stepped aside while awaiting the decision, according to diplomatic sources.

Finerty's treatment by Washington is viewed as a retaliatory response after UNHCR opted against the administration's preferred candidate, Simon Hankinson. The State Department spokesperson stated that they work with UNHCR when it advances US foreign policy interests. However, Finerty has not commented on the matter.

The situation comes amid UNHCR's worst funding crisis in recent history, caused by aid cuts by the Trump administration and others, during a period of record global displacement. Finerty, a career US diplomat, is currently unable to interact directly with US officials due to post-employment restrictions for former government personnel. Violations of these restrictions could potentially result in a prison sentence.

The failure to obtain a waiver is unusual, as they are typically granted to former US staff entering the global body. Finerty's role is crucial as she is one of the agency's most important interlocutors with major donors, including the US, which is its largest donor. In 2025, Washington contributed over $800 million, accounting for nearly a quarter of UNHCR's $3.6 billion contributions.

However, this dropped to around $110 million this year, with $89 million from direct government funding. UNHCR estimates its available funds for 2026 may reach just over $3 billion, which is 15% lower than the previous year and 43% lower than in 2024.