President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council. On Tuesday, he signed a decree officially ending the collaboration. The U.S. had already left the council in 2018 during Trump’s first term, but Joe Biden reversed that decision in 2021.
Additionally, Trump confirmed that the U.S. will continue withholding funds from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). Israel has accused UNRWA employees of participating in the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Following Israel’s lead, the U.S. also severed ties with the organization.
Trump reinstated his “maximum pressure” strategy on Iran by signing a presidential memorandum. The directive strengthens economic sanctions and aims to cripple Iran’s oil exports, its main revenue source. The U.S. also plans to target those who violate existing sanctions.
Trump had already withdrawn from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in 2018, reimposing economic restrictions. This move led Iran to abandon its commitments to nuclear inspections and limitations.
Trump confirmed plans to restructure and downsize the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). His administration is considering merging USAID into the State Department, cutting staff, and aligning spending with his “America First” agenda.
Elon Musk is leading the reforms, focusing on reducing government size. Trump praised Musk’s work and highlighted fraud issues within USAID.
Meanwhile, over 20,000 federal employees have agreed to resign under a voluntary program. The initiative, available until Thursday, allows workers to leave while receiving pay and benefits until September 30. Trump sees this as a step toward reducing government size, but some Democrats question the program’s legality.
Trump expressed openness to sending U.S. prisoners to foreign jails. He acknowledged the legal uncertainty but said he would implement it immediately if possible.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has offered to house U.S. inmates in Salvadoran prisons. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the proposal “very generous.”
