President Trump should defund the OECD

Published: Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 10:00 am

Should the US Defund the OECD? A Look at the Organization's Policies

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an international body focused on economic cooperation, is facing scrutiny over its policies and influence, particularly from a perspective critical of its impact on the United States. The article argues that the OECD, once a champion of free markets, has been hijacked by European nations with high-tax, welfare-state models.

The core of the criticism centers on the OECD's perceived push for higher taxes and expanded government spending. The article highlights the organization's historical efforts to combat "harmful tax competition," which it claims, aimed to pressure nations with lower tax rates. This is exemplified by the OECD's "Base Erosion and Profit Shifting" (BEPS) project, which sought to harmonize corporate tax rates, a move the article suggests was detrimental to American businesses.

The article also points to the OECD's "Economic Surveys," which it claims frequently advocate for progressive tax schemes, including increases on income, capital gains, and businesses. The author argues that these policies are detrimental to economic growth and that the OECD's recommendations often favor larger welfare states.

The US is the largest contributor to the OECD's budget, providing over 18% of its general fund. The article contends that this funding is used to promote policies that are contrary to American interests, effectively subsidizing a "leftist bureaucracy." The author calls for the US to defund the OECD, citing the organization's alleged anti-American stance and its perceived influence on US economic policy.

BNN's Perspective: While the concerns raised about the OECD's influence and potential bias are valid, a complete defunding might be too drastic. The OECD does provide a forum for international cooperation and data analysis, which can be valuable. However, the US should actively push for reforms within the organization, ensuring its policies are aligned with American economic interests and promoting a more balanced approach to tax and fiscal policy. A more critical and engaged approach, rather than complete withdrawal, could be a more effective strategy.

Keywords: OECD, defund, taxes, economic policy, US, United States, tax competition, BEPS, corporate tax, economic freedom, welfare state, government spending, progressive tax, free market, Biden administration, Trump, economic growth, international cooperation, budget, policy, economic surveys.

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