Foreign
President Trump Signs Executive Order to Withdraw from UN Human Rights Council and UNRWA.
In a significant move, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that initiates the withdrawal of the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This decision, announced on Tuesday, reflects the administration’s ongoing critique of the United Nations and its agencies, which Trump asserts have not fulfilled their potential.
During the signing, Trump emphasized the need for fairness within the UN, stating, “I always felt the UN has always had tremendous potential, but it’s not living up to it.” This assertion underscores a broader sentiment within the administration regarding perceived biases against the United States and its allies.
Historically, the U.S. has been the largest donor to UNRWA, contributing nearly $500 million annually. However, following accusations from Israel regarding the involvement of UNRWA staff in attacks linked to Hamas, former President Joe Biden paused funding in January 2024. Consequently, U.S. Congress formally suspended contributions to UNRWA until at least March 2025.
The timing of Trump’s executive order coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, highlighting the intricate relationship between U.S. foreign policy and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trump has previously suggested that Palestinians may need to relocate from Gaza to neighboring Jordan and Egypt, reinforcing his administration’s controversial stance on the region.
This latest executive order is not an isolated incident; during his first term, Trump similarly cut funding to UNRWA, advocating for renewed peace negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis and calling for reforms within the agency.
In addition to withdrawing from UNRWA and the UNHRC, Trump has previously signed orders to exit the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement, signaling a broader shift in U.S. engagement with international organizations under his administration. As the political landscape evolves, the implications of these actions will continue to resonate in both domestic and international arenas.
Ford Motor Company has announced a pause in the shipment of select vehicle models, including the F-150 Raptor, Mustang, Bronco SUV, and Lincoln Navigator, from the United States to China. This decision stems from escalating trade tensions and retaliatory tariffs imposed on US-manufactured vehicles, reportedly reaching rates as high as 150%.
The company acknowledged the detrimental impact of the current trade environment in a recent statement. Despite the suspension of vehicle exports, Ford will continue supplying US-built engines and transmissions to the Chinese market. The Lincoln Nautilus, produced within China, remains unaffected by the halt, although it is still subject to existing tariffs.
The “on-again, off-again” trade policies are placing considerable strain on automotive manufacturers and suppliers. Industry analysts predict significant cost increases for automakers due to the tariffs, potentially totaling $108 billion by the end of 2025. Ford is reportedly contemplating price increases on new vehicles to offset the financial burden imposed by these ongoing trade challenges. While largely producing its vehicles domestically, the company may still need to adjust pricing to preserve profitability in the face of escalating tariff costs.
The Kremlin announced Monday that President Vladimir Putin has expressed his condolences following the death of Pope Francis. In a message addressed to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, President Putin acknowledged the late Pope’s significant role in fostering dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. Furthermore, he recognized Pope Francis’ contribution to constructive cooperation between Russia and the Holy See. The Russian leader conveyed his “sincere condolences” and offered words of “sympathy and support” to the Catholic clergy during this period of mourning. The Vatican confirmed Pope Francis’ passing on Monday, citing pneumonia as the cause of death for the first Latin American pontiff.
The Vatican announced this morning the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88. His death occurred at his residence within the Vatican.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis was elected to the papacy on March 13, 2013, marking a significant moment as the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. News of his passing follows a recent recovery from a severe case of double pneumonia.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell formally announced the Pope’s death on the Vatican’s television channel, stating, “At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
During his tenure, Pope Francis faced both praise and criticism. Conservative factions within the Church accused him of undermining established traditions, while progressive voices argued he should have pursued more substantial reforms within the Church’s established framework.
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