In a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from key United Nations bodies, including the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), while initiating a review of the country’s involvement in UNESCO.
The White House justified the move, citing “anti-American bias” in these UN agencies. The order also mandates a broad assessment of U.S. funding for the UN, as Trump continues to push for a reduction in Washington’s financial commitments to multilateral organizations.
Why Did Trump Withdraw the U.S. from These UN Agencies?
According to White House staff secretary Will Scharf, the UNHRC and UNRWA have consistently demonstrated bias against American interests, particularly regarding Israel and Palestine-related matters.
“The United Nations has tremendous potential, but it is not being well-run. The U.S. provides disproportionate funding compared to other nations, and this must change,” Trump stated.
The UNHRC, composed of 47 member states, plays a significant role in monitoring global human rights issues. The U.S. had observer status following the expiration of its membership in December 2024. However, Tuesday’s order signals a complete departure from the council’s activities, including its human rights reviews and investigations into alleged abuses.
Impact on Palestinian Aid & UN Funding
The decision to withdraw from UNRWA aligns with Washington’s long-standing criticism of the agency’s role in Palestine. The move follows Israel’s push to dismantle UNRWA over allegations that some employees were involved in Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack.
Although independent investigations did not find conclusive evidence for these claims, many donor nations resumed their funding, while Trump’s administration maintained its opposition.
Trump also emphasized that the U.S. should not bear the financial burden of global organizations alone. His administration had previously pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement, began withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO), and criticized NATO contributions.
Global Reactions & What Comes Next
The withdrawal has sparked strong international reactions, with critics arguing that the U.S. is isolating itself from global diplomatic efforts. Supporters, however, believe it reinforces Trump’s “America First” policy, prioritizing domestic interests over multilateral commitments.
The future of U.S.-UN relations now depends on whether Congress intervenes or Trump’s administration pushes for more drastic cuts to UN funding.
