Eric LeCompte, Executive Director of Jubilee USA was recently cited in Devex speaking on U.S.’s role in the World Bank and IMF under the new Trump administration. Read excerpt below and follow link to full article.
World Bank under Trump: Whats next for US Influence and funding?
By: Adva Saldinger
Personnel choices will play a critical role in shaping U.S. policy towards the World Bank. During Trump’s first term, Malpass surprised many observers by not only negotiating a capital increase but later becoming the institution’s president.
Eric LeCompte, executive director of Jubilee USA Network, which works on debt and poverty issues, noted that early appointees to key Treasury Department roles indicate a belief in the U.S.’s role in the World Bank and IMF. But some key roles may take time to fill.
“There may or may not be different kinds of challenges to multilateralism,” he said, adding that, as before, engaging with the IMF and the World Bank will be important for the Trump administration.
Another early indicator of funding will be Trump’s first budget request. While Congress often disregards presidential budget requests, it can signal priorities and policies. How much money the administration requests for IDA, and how much Congress eventually approves will be a first key test. The Biden administration pledged $4 billion over three years at the IDA replenishment in December.