It’s been a long time since I left the WB but I still have an account at BFSFCU, do you think my savings will be ok?

Been pondering the same options as you OP (world Bank staff here). Project 2025 is a bit unclear between full withdrawal and saying the US needs to demand more US staff and influence the agenda more.

No way we will get out of this mostly unscathed as we did during the first trump administration. They have already officially called for review of US engagement in all MDBs. And with Vought now in charge of budget the project 2025 plans should be considered as default option.

A month ago I would have said withdrawal was too crazy to be considered by Trump. Now obviously I think it is a likely option (and in that case as you pointed out we will all have to move to another country, which will be a hit for the DMV). And I think, but not entirely sure, that us citizens will have to resign/ be let go as you can’t have staff from non-member countries.

My current bet is that they will threaten withdrawal and use that leverage to make outrageous demands on the 2 organizations in terms of agenda, alignement with US policies, staff cuts etc.. with a big emphasis on cutting off China and eliminating climate, gender and equity out of our vocabulary.

And under that second option I still think our jobs aren’t safe.

Been pondering the same options as you OP (world Bank staff here). Project 2025 is a bit unclear between full withdrawal and saying the US needs to demand more US staff and influence the agenda more.

No way we will get out of this mostly unscathed as we did during the first trump administration. They have already officially called for review of US engagement in all MDBs. And with Vought now in charge of budget the project 2025 plans should be considered as default option.

A month ago I would have said withdrawal was too crazy to be considered by Trump. Now obviously I think it is a likely option (and in that case as you pointed out we will all have to move to another country, which will be a hit for the DMV). And I think, but not entirely sure, that us citizens will have to resign/ be let go as you can’t have staff from non-member countries.

My current bet is that they will threaten withdrawal and use that leverage to make outrageous demands on the 2 organizations in terms of agenda, alignement with US policies, staff cuts etc.. with a big emphasis on cutting off China and eliminating climate, gender and equity out of our vocabulary.

And under that second option I still think our jobs aren’t safe.

“US should support World Bank and IMF - Bank of England boss”

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20k2n3y42ko.amp

Anonymous wrote:I am at the IMF. If the US withdraws Japan will become the largest shareholder (absent e realignment) and that is where the institution is supposed to move based on the Artlcles of Agreement. There is some nervous laughter about the institution about the evaluation of US participation in all IOs but so far my impression is that people believe that Trump won’t go as far as to withdraw from the Bretton Woods institutions, but who knows. Implications for US staff are not clear. I am not sure the Articles cover that. But the institution would very likely have to size down without the US and that will affect hiring. I would expect the same decision for WB and IMF. Not clear why Trump would withdraw from one and not from the other. It would definitely be interesting if US withdrew and the impact on the DC economy and real estate would be significant if both institutions had to move at short notice.

The IMF doesn't cost U.S. taxpayers anything. The bank has IDA replenishment. Also is much more similar to USAID in structure. I think they are both safe, but of the two, the WB is less safe.

Anonymous wrote:Would anyone even notice if the world bank disappeared? Except for the people who work there?

You wouldn’t because you’re ignorant. But many would.

I am at the IMF. If the US withdraws Japan will become the largest shareholder (absent e realignment) and that is where the institution is supposed to move based on the Artlcles of Agreement. There is some nervous laughter about the institution about the evaluation of US participation in all IOs but so far my impression is that people believe that Trump won’t go as far as to withdraw from the Bretton Woods institutions, but who knows. Implications for US staff are not clear. I am not sure the Articles cover that. But the institution would very likely have to size down without the US and that will affect hiring. I would expect the same decision for WB and IMF. Not clear why Trump would withdraw from one and not from the other. It would definitely be interesting if US withdrew and the impact on the DC economy and real estate would be significant if both institutions had to move at short notice.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would anyone even notice if the world bank disappeared? Except for the people who work there?

Wow. Educate yourself.

+1. It really is amazing how people who know nothing about a subject just reflexively show their ass (and ignorance), sharing their toddler-level view of the world.

Anonymous wrote:Prospective WB job applicant here. If the U.S. withdraws from the WB would that mean U.S. citizen staff would be out of a job? I’m not necessarily opposed to moving abroad if the HQ moves, assuming that would be permitted. Regardless, it sounds like it might not be an ideal time to apply.

I am the OP of this post. I am a mid-level technical staff and I can't really see any changes regarding hiring right now, there are no offical freezes or anything like that, so I encourage you to apply. In terms of the US citizens at the WB - I have no clue, but the vast majority are not US citizens or are dual citizens of US and other country.

Prospective WB job applicant here. If the U.S. withdraws from the WB would that mean U.S. citizen staff would be out of a job? I’m not necessarily opposed to moving abroad if the HQ moves, assuming that would be permitted. Regardless, it sounds like it might not be an ideal time to apply.

Anonymous wrote:Would anyone even notice if the world bank disappeared? Except for the people who work there?

Wow. Educate yourself.

The farewell statement is pointed & sad.

https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/8d0316a6f96e7e5d0295fb0d80a95fd0-0330082025/original/Forever-Grateful-Felice-Gorordo-01-24-2025.pdf

Would anyone even notice if the world bank disappeared? Except for the people who work there?

I've been wondering about this since reading the project 2025 doc calling for the defunding of bank & fund. If the ED is replaced, I'm expecting lots of key words no longer allowed in PADs & major pushback from US EDs office on projects under the People & Planet verticals.

Maybe HQ will move... How about to Canada?! Expect that China & Russia & others could fill thr financing gap. Bank doesn't need US but what a shame. Its been silent internally (at least officially). What a disaster all around.

The WB US Exective Director resigns. Trump will likely do one or more of the below:

1. appoint his choice and/or
2. withdraw US from WB (if this happens, no reason for the Bank to stay in the US - so it will move to EU/China/Japan etc.)
3. withdraw financial support for WB without offically withdrawing

Any WB staff here? What are your thoughts?