On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the decree to withdraw America from the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC). This decree also entails a reassessment of America’s contributions to the United Nations.
What else is included in this decree?
Trump also ordered America to withdraw from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). He stated that Washington also aims to reassess its role in the United Nations agency for Education, Science, and Culture (UNESCO).
Trump had previously withdrawn America from the UNHRC in 2018 during his first term, but his successor, former President Joe Biden, re-admitted Americans to the organization in 2021.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, responded to Trump in his statement, saying:
“Guterres has worked diligently to implement numerous reforms … in order to enhance efficiency and foster innovation.”
He continued, stating:
“The support America provides to the United Nations has saved countless lives and advanced global security.”
“The Secretary-General looks forward with anticipation to continuing a productive relationship with President Trump and the American government in order to restore harmony in this turbulent world.”
America Claims that the UN is Biased Against Washington
White House Chief of Staff Will Scharf stated that within United Nations agencies there is “bias aimed at opposing America.”
Scharf said:
“In general, the decree requires a review of America’s role and contributions to the UN, given the excessive imbalance and varying levels of support among different countries.”
Meanwhile, Trump said that the UN has “extraordinary powers” but does “not function properly.” He stated:
“It should be supported by everyone, but it is not well-organized, as we have come to see.”
Trump Says that the UN ‘Must Reform Itself’
Trump stated that this intergovernmental organization “has got to get their act together,” as he told reporters.
He said:
“It’s not going well, frankly, and they are not doing their job.”
Trump added:
“Many of the conflicts we are dealing with must be resolved, or at least we need some assistance in resolving them. We do not seem to be receiving the help we need. That should be a primary objective of the United Nations.”
Trump condemned the withdrawal of American support for United Nations agencies—a move he had made during his first term campaign and resumed at the start of his second term—urging other countries to increase their contributions, especially regarding the NATO collective defense alliance.
