President Donald Trump formally signed an executive order this week withdrawing the United States from two United Nations entities: the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). According to Trump, these decisive actions were taken as part of the administration’s commitment to prioritizing American interests and addressing longstanding concerns about these organizations’ operations and biases.
The UNHRC was established in 2006 to promote and protect human rights globally. However, it has faced criticism for including member countries with questionable human rights records and for exhibiting a perceived bias against Israel and the United States.
Trump previously withdrew the U.S. from the UNHRC in June 2018, citing these issues. Biden quickly rejoined the UNHRC after taking office. By stepping away from the UNHRC again, the Trump administration is signaling its refusal to legitimize an organization that, in its view, fails to uphold the principles it was designed to protect.
UNRWA was established in 1949 to provide assistance to Palestinian refugees. However, critics argue that the agency perpetuates the refugee status of Palestinians and has been linked to activities that undermine peace efforts in the Middle East.
During his first term, President Trump halted funding to UNRWA, expressing concerns over its operations and the need for Palestinians to engage in peace negotiations with Israel. The continuation of this policy reflects the administration’s stance that U.S. resources should not support organizations that do not align with American interests or contribute to lasting peace in the region.
In his executive order, Trump cited reports that the UNRWA has “been infiltrated by members of groups long designated by the Secretary of State as foreign terrorist organizations, and UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.”
In announcing these decisions, Trump emphasized the need for international bodies to operate effectively and without bias. He stated, “I’ve always felt that the U.N. has tremendous potential. It’s not living up to that potential right now. It really hasn’t for a long time.” This sentiment reflects a broader critique of international organizations that, in the administration’s view, have strayed from their foundational missions.
The presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House during the announcement underscored the strong alliance between the United States and Israel. Both leaders have been vocal about perceived biases within the U.N. system, particularly concerning Israel. This move aligns with the administration’s commitment to supporting allies and challenging international bodies that, in its assessment, fail to uphold impartiality and effectiveness.
Trump has also directed a comprehensive review of U.S. involvement in other U.N. bodies to identify and address any anti-American sentiment. This proactive approach aims to ensure that international engagements serve the nation’s interests and reflect its values. The administration’s willingness to reassess and, if necessary, withdraw from international commitments demonstrates a prioritization of American sovereignty and a demand for accountability from global institutions.
Matt Kane earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Stony Brook University. His work has been posted by President Trump, RealClearPolitics, and American Thinker. X/Twitter: @MattKaneUSA Truth Social @MattKane
The UN has passed its “sell by” date and is worthless. America needs to stop funding it and kick it out of the country. It has become a One World Government entity run by Communists, Islamists and bureaucrats. A money pit for dictators, fascists and Islamists; most of whom hate America, but love our money.
Good job Pres Trump. These organizations, work against our interest’s and solve nothing.
Finally after decades of waste and theft a voice of reason. We have bridges that are falling down, airports , better not mention that one, crumbling infrastructure, pay 6 dollars for a loaf of bread , while for 75 years money ware poured down the drain , funding the mischief of Palestinians. Could there be anything more perverted.
Trump suspended funding UNWRA in first term, and Biden started again ( by executive order?) ad now Trump stops funding again. This funding would have stopped during the first term is a bill to do so was passed by Congress. Stop with the EOs to bypass Congress and use the Legislative branch as our Founding Fathers intended. This is a good example of the power that current WH administration has during their four year term.
Why piecemeal withdrawal from UN entities. Just get U.S. Out!!!
How many entities does the world need to “promote and protect human rights globally”? There must already be hundreds, if not thousands, and none appear to be doing any good.
DRAIN BABY DRAIN!
Yes! Let’s keep moving in the direction of weeding out the groups, organizations, entities that do not support Americas best interests. MAGA!!!
The United Nations is a total scam! Withdraw from the whole thing we are paying for it. Any organization that puts Iraq in charge of Human Rights is a scam. It’s just a hot bed of left-wing Marxist liberals. Now they claim to be an authority on climate change as well. All they are good at is taking money from the United States and distributing it to other countries
There are calls for getting out of the UN totally. I understand the desire for all the right reasons, but the calls for that are similar to calls to get rid of the CIA, FBI, DOJ, etc. These are not bad organizations when they are run by leaders with ethics. Pres Trump is changing leadership in these organizations to the benefit of US citizens and those organizations. Perhaps he can save the UN with similar tactics.
I’ve no doubt if Bin Laden were sitting on the chair of the UNHRC, if Trump got us out of it, CNN would say nothing but how “Trump is killing children and TGers”… just like they’re doing now regarding USAid without citing the abuses! My local news is no different: lockstepping propagandists!