ILO freezes appointment of Trump nominee amid concerns of US influence
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The ILO has frozen the appointment of a US Trump nominee as deputy head amid fears of American overreach, unpaid dues, and growing global pushback.
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President Donald Trump speaks during an event to mark Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, in Arlington, Va (AP)
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has put on hold the appointment of a US nominee, reportedly backed by President Donald Trump, for the role of Deputy Director-General (DDG), following mounting concerns from staff and member states over potential US overreach within the agency, sources told Reuters.
Traditionally, the DDG role is given to the ILO’s largest financial contributor, the United States, which provides 22% of the body’s budget.
However, diplomatic and internal opposition has grown amid fears that the position could grant Washington disproportionate control over international labour policy and the agency's strategic direction.
Unpaid US dues and political tension
The controversy comes at a time when Washington owes the ILO over 173 million Swiss francs (around $218 million) in unpaid dues.
The funding shortfall, which could result in nearly 300 job cuts, was first reported by Reuters in October. Critics argue it is unacceptable for the US to seek greater power in the organisation while failing to meet its financial obligations.
The Trump administration previously attacked the ILO’s mission, accusing the organisation of working “to unionize foreign workers and punish US corporate interests abroad.” The White House also expressed skepticism toward the ILO’s stance on global labour standards.
Concerns over policy control
Sources familiar with internal discussions revealed that the ILO's current reform proposals, shaped in part by Washington’s arrears, would give the DDG sweeping authority over critical policy areas, including international labour standards and workers' social protection.
“This has caused a certain amount of anxiety among members,” a diplomat told Reuters.
An ILO staffer described the DDG position as “powerful,” with influence over appointments, missions, and agenda-setting.
In response, some member states are calling for a European Assistant Director-General to act as a counterweight to the US nominee, should the appointment proceed. Others insist the appointment should only go forward if Washington settles its dues.
Ongoing consultations
Director-General Gilbert Houngbo is currently conducting confidential consultations with member states to resolve the deadlock. An ILO spokesperson confirmed that talks are ongoing with representatives from governments, workers, and employers ahead of the governing body’s meeting from November 17–27.
“It is considered proper that, during such dialogues, some stakeholders may express either support for and/or concern about certain items on the agenda,” the spokesperson said.
A US State Department spokesperson told Reuters that ILO funding, like that for other international organisations, remains under review to ensure alignment with “American interests.” Discussions with Washington regarding its arrears are also ongoing.
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