Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from the UN Human Rights Council and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The move also initiates a review of U.S. involvement in UNESCO, the United Nations’ cultural agency.
The decision coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington.
The U.S. had been a primary donor to UNRWA, contributing nearly $500 million annually, until President Joe Biden halted the funding in January 2024.
The suspension followed allegations from Israel that some UNRWA staff had links to Hamas. U.S. lawmakers have since blocked further contributions until at least March 2025.
Announcing the withdrawal, Trump criticized the UN for inefficiency and bias, arguing that reforms are necessary to ensure fair treatment of nations. He also reiterated his stance on Gaza, suggesting Palestinian relocation to neighboring Jordan or Egypt as a potential solution.
This move marks a continuation of Trump’s previous policies. During his first term, he also cut UNRWA funding, pressing for Palestinian-Israeli peace talks and agency reforms.
Since returning to office, Trump has followed through on other controversial foreign policy actions, including withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris climate accord.