Washington, D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Tuesday that will officially withdraw the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). According to a White House official, who was not authorized to speak publicly ahead of the announcement, this decision marks a continuation of Trump’s longstanding opposition to the council, which he previously abandoned during his first term in office.
A History of U.S. Discontent with the UNHRC
The United Nations Human Rights Council has long been a subject of criticism from U.S. leaders across the political spectrum. Both Democratic and Republican administrations have accused the body of exhibiting bias against Israel, with Trump taking particular issue with its stance during his presidency. In 2018, his administration formally exited the council, citing its alleged anti-Israel stance and what it described as its failure to hold human rights abusers accountable. President Joe Biden later reversed that decision, rejoining the council in an effort to engage with global human rights discussions.

Trump’s latest move comes as no surprise, given his previous rhetoric on international organizations and his commitment to prioritizing American sovereignty over multilateral agreements. The executive order solidifies his administration’s stance that the UNHRC does not serve U.S. interests and is an ineffective institution.
Defunding UNRWA Amid Gaza Crisis
Alongside the UNHRC withdrawal, Trump’s executive order will also cut future U.S. funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides critical humanitarian aid to Palestinians. The decision follows the Biden administration’s earlier suspension of funds amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Israel has accused some UNRWA staff members of having ties to Hamas, but an independent investigation found no evidence to support these claims.

UNRWA plays a crucial role in providing aid to Palestinians in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation has worsened due to the prolonged conflict. The funding cut is expected to have severe consequences for the agency’s operations, potentially leading to food shortages, medical supply disruptions, and a worsening refugee crisis in the region.
Political and Diplomatic Implications
The timing of the announcement is significant, as it coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the White House. This will be Trump’s first meeting with a foreign leader since being sworn in for his second term last month. The executive order is expected to reinforce his administration’s pro-Israel stance, further strengthening diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Israel.
However, the decision is likely to face strong opposition from international allies and human rights organizations. Critics argue that withdrawing from the UNHRC isolates the U.S. from important global discussions on human rights and diminishes its ability to influence international policies. Additionally, cutting funding to UNRWA could deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, potentially escalating tensions in the region.
The aftermath of Trump’s decision to withdraw from the UNHRC and cut funding to UNRWA is expected to have far-reaching consequences on multiple fronts. Internationally, the move reinforces the perception of U.S. disengagement from global human rights discussions, potentially weakening its influence in multilateral forums. The United Nations and key U.S. allies may view this as a retreat from diplomatic cooperation, straining relationships with nations that advocate for a collective approach to human rights issues. In the Middle East, the defunding of UNRWA could severely impact humanitarian aid efforts, particularly in Gaza, where the agency provides essential food, healthcare, and education services to millions of Palestinian refugees. This could exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis, fueling further unrest and instability in the region. Politically, the decision strengthens ties between the U.S. and Israel, aligning with Trump’s staunch pro-Israel stance, especially as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Washington. However, it is likely to face strong opposition from Democrats, human rights organizations, and Palestinian leaders, who argue that it will worsen conditions for civilians and undermine peace efforts. Domestically, the executive order will spark heated debates in Congress, with lawmakers divided over the implications of abandoning the UNHRC and defunding Palestinian aid. While Trump’s supporters may view this as a reaffirmation of American sovereignty and a stance against alleged UN bias, critics warn that it isolates the U.S. on the global stage and reduces its ability to advocate for human rights. As reactions unfold, the long-term impact of these decisions will be closely watched, shaping U.S. foreign policy and its role in international affairs.
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