Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Withdraws from Anti-American UN Organizations

Fact Sheets

TLDR

This ‘fact sheet’ provides talking points for an executive order that withdraws the U.S. from the UN Human Rights Council and permanently bans funding to UNRWA. It mandates review of international organizations for anti-American sentiment and follows allegations of UNRWA employee involvement in the October 7 attacks. The order impacts Palestinian aid services and aligns with Israeli criticism of both organizations.

This is a “fact sheet” regarding President Trump’s signing of an executive order on February 5, 2025, implementing two major changes to U.S. involvement with UN organizations. The order withdraws the United States from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and permanently prohibits future funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Key Components of the Executive Order

International Organization Review

The order mandates the Secretary of State to evaluate international organizations for anti-American sentiment. UNESCO will undergo an expedited review due to concerns about anti-Israel bias.

UNRWA Funding Ban

The funding prohibition for UNRWA comes after allegations that some agency employees participated in the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel. Prior to this ban, U.S. contributions made up nearly 30% of UNRWA’s funding.

Historical Context

This marks the second time Trump has withdrawn from the UNHRC, having previously done so in 2018. The Biden administration had rejoined the council in 2021 but announced in late 2024 that it would not seek a second term.

Impact Assessment

Humanitarian Considerations

UNRWA currently provides essential services to approximately 5.3 million Palestinians across Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. The agency manages most aid distribution in Gaza through 11 centers.

Diplomatic Relations

The executive order coincides with Trump’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The decision aligns with Israel’s consistent criticism of both UNHRC and UNRWA.

Financial Implications

The U.S., as the largest economy globally, currently contributes 22% of the UN’s operating budget. The executive order includes a broader review of U.S. financial contributions to UN organizations.

Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order withdrawing the United States from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and prohibiting any future funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for the Near East (UNRWA).

  • The Executive Order also requires the Secretary of State to review and report to the President on which international organizations, conventions, or treaties promote radical or anti-American sentiment.
    • The UN Educational, Science, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in particular, will undergo a review under an expedited timeline due to its history of anti-Israel bias.
  • The Executive Order will prohibit the United States from providing any additional funding to UNRWA, which has consistently shown itself to be anti-Semitic and anti-Israel, as evidenced by the number of its staff members who took part in the horrific October 7th terrorist attacks against Israel.
    • UNRWA facilities have repeatedly been used by Hamas and other terrorist groups to store weapons and build tunnels.

STANDING UP FOR HUMAN RIGHTS: The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has not fulfilled its purpose and continues to be used as a protective body for countries committing horrific human rights violations.

  • Countries such as Iran, China, and Cuba use the UNHRC to shield themselves despite having egregious records of human rights violations and abuses.

  • The UNHRC has demonstrated consistent bias against Israel, focusing on it unfairly and disproportionately in council proceedings.

  • In 2018, the year President Trump withdrew from the UNHRC in his first administration, the organization passed more resolutions condemning Israel than Syria, Iran, and North Korea combined.

BUILDING ON PAST SUCCESS: During his first administration, President Trump stopped funding the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and withdrew the United States from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the UN Educational, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

  • President Trump in 2017: “The United Nations must reform if it is to be an effective partner in confronting threats to sovereignty, security, and prosperity.”
  • After the U.S. withdrew from UNESCO, the organization took steps to improve its relationship with Israel.
  • President Trump successfully stopped U.S. funding to UNRWA during his first administration. The Biden Administration initially resumed funding until being forced to confront UNRWA’s corruption after the October 7th attacks, and President Trump is once again taking action to stand up for human rights by withdrawing the United States from this corrupt organization for good.