Trump Signs Order Withdrawing US From UN Bodies
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday to withdraw the United States from several United Nations bodies, including the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), and directed a broader review of US funding for the multilateral organization.
Trump’s executive order calls for a review of America’s involvement in and financial contributions to the UN, citing “wild disparities” in funding levels among member countries. In his statement, Trump acknowledged the “tremendous potential” of the UN but criticized its management, claiming that it “is not being well run.”
He emphasized that the US bears a disproportionate share of funding, a sentiment he has previously voiced in relation to other international organizations like NATO. Trump has long advocated for other countries to contribute more to multilateral efforts and reduce America’s financial burden.
In addition to the withdrawal from the UNHRC, Trump’s administration had previously backed Israel’s position on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), accusing the organization of spreading hate material and halting US funding. The Biden administration, however, resumed funding to UNRWA in January 2024, despite Israel’s accusations.
Trump’s decision to withdraw from key UN bodies and agreements, including the Paris climate accord and the World Health Organization during his previous term, marks a continuation of his “America First” foreign policy agenda, focusing on reducing US involvement in multilateral agreements and organizations.
