The Trump administration may be set to end its support for the UN’s refugee agency, putting at risk the security of tens of millions of displaced people.

Reports from Geneva and the US say that Washington, historically UNHCR’s largest donor, has been considering ending its support for the agency.

The reports have sparked a campaign by diplomats and UN officials to persuade the US to maintain ‌support.

The US’ threat to ​leave UNHCR, is reported to follow a disagreement over the appointment of ​the deputy high commissioner Tressa Rae Finerty, a US career diplomat.

Reports says the Trump administration pushed for former US foreign service officer Simon Hankinson, who had criticized the UNHCR’s policies.

The reports say the agency has informed supporters that it could be placed on a ⁠US blacklist, ending funding, and that Washington could also withdraw from its governing committee.

An end to US funding would seriously weaken the agency at a time of record numbers of conflict and near-record levels of displacement ​around the world.

Since starting his second term last year, President Donald Trump has cut funding for UN agencies and withdrawn from dozens of UN entities including the World Health Organisation.

 Trump officials have also urged other nations to join a global campaign to roll back asylum protections.

The US was the top donor to UNHCR in 2025, giving $US868 million ($A1.2 billion) or about a quarter of the total contributions, according to the agency.

UNHCR has already hit ⁠financial troubles ​after funding fell by about 30 per cent in 2025 compared with 2024. As a result, the agency has cut thousands of jobs and announced ​further cuts this year.

Diplomats and aid officials said a full US withdrawal would deepen the crisis and undermine support for the 1951 Refugee Convention, the cornerstone of the post-war refugee protection system.

Observers say a US withdrawal would be an existential threat to UNHCR and could affect local NGOs operating in crisis areas.

UNHCR was created in the aftermath of World War Two to help refugees fleeing war, persecution and violence.