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.