U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration rejected a United Nations agricultural declaration on July 23 because it promoted “divisive social policies.” The administration still plans to solicit support for a proposed global “freedom of expression” declaration at the United Nations.
On Thursday, July 23, Paul Welcher, Officer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, reiterated that the government intends to “disassociate” itself from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s Global Plan of Action for Sustainable Livestock Transformation during its COAG30 summit in Rome.
Welcher stated that multiple mentions of climate change, gender equality, and the United Nations’ sustainability goals “distract from the core tactical elements within the FAO’s mandate.” The voluntary initiative was adopted by delegates on Friday, July 17. It advises countries to address issues such as biodiversity, animal welfare, emissions, and disease prevention.
The administration has begun circulating a draft declaration aimed at being signed by heads of government during an event adjacent to the September UN General Assembly. This document condemns “new laws” and “regulatory frameworks” that it claims endanger free speech in “historically democratic countries.”
This proposal follows criticism of the European Union’s Digital Services Act, enacted in 2022, which regulates online platforms and has been described by U.S. authorities as a threat to free expression.