Archive · 19 Sep 2026
UN names Trump nominee Lindberg as WFP chief
The United Nations chose Luke Lindberg to lead the World Food Programme.
Lindberg was nominated by US President Donald Trump.
He currently works as a senior US agriculture official.
He will replace Cindy McCain, who stepped down because of health reasons.
Carl Skau had been leading the agency temporarily.
The World Food Programme provides food help around the world.
It says 266 million people are facing serious food shortages.
The agency helps more than 100 million people in 83 countries.
The United Nations appointed Luke Lindberg as the next executive director of the World Food Programme.
Lindberg was nominated by US President Donald Trump and currently serves as a senior US agricultural official.
The appointment was made by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Food and Agriculture Organization head Qu Dongyu.
Lindberg will succeed Cindy McCain, who left the Rome-based agency for health reasons.
The WFP says 266 million people face acute food insecurity, while it assists more than 100 million people in 83 countries.
- Who
- Luke Lindberg, nominated by US President Donald Trump, was appointed to lead the World Food Programme.
- What
- The United Nations appointed Lindberg as the WFP’s next executive director.
- When
- The appointment was announced on Friday, September 19, 2026.
- Where
- The World Food Programme is based in Rome, Italy.
- Why
- Lindberg will take over after Cindy McCain stepped down for health reasons, amid widespread acute food insecurity.
- Incoming director
- Luke Lindberg
- Nominating president
- Donald Trump
- Outgoing director
- Cindy McCain
- Interim director
- Carl Skau
- People facing acute food insecurity
- About 266 million worldwide
- People assisted by WFP
- More than 100 million
- Countries receiving assistance
- 83 countries