US, France trade barbs in fight over UN rights chief's second term

The U.S. walked out of a U.N. Security Council meeting on Ukraine during France's remarks, accusing France of 'disingenuous grandstanding'.

France criticized the U.S. for voting against extending Volker Turk's term as U.N. rights chief, alongside Russia and North Korea.

U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz accused France of backing a human rights chief who criticizes democratic nations while 'cozying up to oppressors'.

The U.N. General Assembly voted 144-10 to extend Turk's term, which the U.S. had opposed, threatening to reassess funding.

The dispute reflects deepening strains between the Trump administration and the United Nations over funding and engagement.