The Trump administration is facing widespread criticism after diplomats and officials accused it of using threats and economic pressure to block a historic UN-backed climate framework aimed at curbing carbon emissions from global shipping.

The Financial Times (FT) reported on Sunday that more than 10 diplomats, government officials, and industry observers accused US delegates of using "bully-boy tactics" during last month’s negotiations at the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London.

The Net Zero Framework, which sought to introduce a carbon emissions levy on international shipping, had secured provisional backing from a majority of countries in April. However, during the London talks, US officials reportedly pressured several nations, particularly African states and small Pacific and Caribbean island countries, into withdrawing support.

According to FT, delegates from multiple countries reported that US officials approached them during informal moments such as coffee breaks and warned them of consequences if they supported the framework. These included threats of transit restrictions through the US, potential visa limitations for delegates and their families, and broader diplomatic retaliation.

A diplomat whose country was threatened stated: "They went from delegation to delegation… threatening them. Telling them to go back and speak to their capitals, warning them what would happen if they didn’t change their minds."

Visa and trade threats shock global negotiators

Other delegates confirmed that personal-level threats were paired with formal démarches, diplomatic communications warning of punitive measures. According to FT, one such démarche reportedly outlined "reciprocal measures" such as increased tariffs, higher port fees for ships docking in the US, and possible revocation of US visas for shipping crews.

The report mentioned that a delegate present at the talks described the tactics as "completely exceptional," stating, "These people being threatened are just bureaucrats, they are civil servants." Several negotiators, including those from Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Japan, reportedly received these warnings in the weeks leading up to the IMO session, with threats reiterated in person in London.

Despite initial momentum, the finalization of the Net Zero Framework has been delayed by at least a year. This follows the abstention of key countries, including Greece and Cyprus, which had previously supported the measure. The Trump administration welcomed their abstention, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praising their decision to break with the EU bloc.

Trump has publicly opposed the deal, calling it a "global green new scam tax on shipping" in a recent social media post. His administration has also signaled that it is considering sanctions on officials who support “activist-driven climate policies.”

The strong-arm approach by US representatives has raised alarms among diplomats and experts, with some warning that such tactics may cause lasting damage to international cooperation on climate action.

Long-term risks to US influence warned by experts

Creon Butler, head of global economy at Chatham House, warned that bypassing traditional diplomatic norms could erode US influence in the long run.

“In the very short term, this might work, but in the medium term it increases the chances that non-US countries will conclude they cannot work with the US, making agreements independently among themselves,” Butler said.

Brazil and several other countries also expressed concern at the IMO meeting, cautioning that “methods that should not ever be used among sovereign nations” had been employed.

While technical discussions on the Net Zero Framework continue, several delegates believe that meaningful progress is unlikely as long as Trump remains in the White House. One official noted that the pressure campaign had left the organization “in complete shock,” adding, “It’s like dealing with the Mob.”