Trump threatens to cut aid over UN Jerusalem vote

At a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to slash aid to United Nations member countries who vote against his decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The United Nations General Assembly will vote in an emergency session Thursday on a resolution regarding recent decisions concerning the status of Jerusalem.

"We're watching those votes," President Trump said. "Let them vote against us, we'll save a lot. We don't care. But this isn't like it used to be where they could vote against you and then you pay them hundreds of millions of dollars and nobody knows what they're doing." He also warned to withdraw U.S. aid to countries that oppose his decision concerning Jerusalem by saying, “We're not going to be taken advantage of any longer."

"On Thursday, there will be a vote at the UN criticizing our choice. And yes, the U.S. will be taking names," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley also wrote on her Twitter. “When we make a decision about where to locate OUR embassy, we don't expect those we've helped to target us."

The United States cast the veto power at the United Nations on Monday to block the “Jerusalem Resolution” despite 14 out of 15 members of the UN Security Council voting in favor. A two-thirds majority is required for the UN General Assembly resolution to be adopted on Thursday and there is a high possibility that the majority will be formed.

Yong Park parky@donga.com