Trump cuts ties with UN Human Rights Council, freezes UNRWA funding

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to withdraw the U.S. from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and extend the halt on funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This decision coincides with a visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has criticized both organizations for their perceived bias against Israel and alleged ties to terrorism. Trump's administration previously withdrew from these bodies during his first term, citing chronic anti-Israel bias, and he has also cut funding to UNRWA, which provides essential aid to Palestinian refugees. The U.S. is currently not a member of the UNHRC and will not resume funding to UNRWA before at least March 2025. Meanwhile, the UN and UNRWA have not commented on the recent developments, and tensions remain high due to ongoing accusations and legislative actions against UNRWA. Trump's latest moves are part of a broader trend of disengagement from international organizations, including prior withdrawals from the WHO and the Paris Agreement.