By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the UN Human Rights Council and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
Trump criticized the UN, saying, “I always felt the UN has always had tremendous potential but it’s not living up to its potential,” and called for the organization to be “fair to countries that deserved fairness.”
The US had been the largest donor to UNRWA, but funding was paused under Biden after allegations against its staff.
Trump’s move follows previous actions, such as pulling out of the WHO and the Paris Agreement. He also cut funding to UNRWA during his first term, insisting “Palestinians need to agree to renew peace talks with Israel.”
The withdrawal coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, and Trump has suggested Palestinians relocate, stating, “I just support cleaning it up and doing something with it,” regarding Gaza.
