President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The order also directs a review of the country’s involvement in UNESCO. Trump expressed his belief that the UN has significant potential but is not fulfilling it, adding that the UN should be fair to countries that “deserve fairness.”
This action follows a previous decision by former President Joe Biden to pause funding to UNRWA in January 2024, after Israel accused several staff members of involvement in the Hamas attack that escalated the Gaza conflict. Congress suspended contributions to UNRWA until at least March 2025. Trump had previously reduced funding to the agency, demanding that Palestinians engage in peace talks with Israel and implement reforms.
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The US was the largest donor to UNRWA, contributing nearly $500 million annually. Trump’s decision to withdraw from the agency coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington. Trump has also signed orders pulling the US out of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Climate Agreement since taking office.
