Jerry Jackson President Donald Trump has ordered the United States to leave the UN Human Rights Council. On Tuesday, he signed an official decree to end cooperation. The U.S. had already withdrawn in 2018 under Trump’s leadership, but Joe Biden reversed the decision in 2021.
Trump also confirmed that the U.S. will continue blocking funds for the UN agency aiding Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). Israel accused UNRWA staff of involvement in the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. In response, Israel severed all connections, and the U.S. followed suit.
Trump reinstated strict economic measures against Iran by signing a presidential directive. His policy, known as “maximum pressure,” aims to choke Iran’s oil exports, its primary income source. The U.S. also plans to crack down on those bypassing sanctions.
During his first term, Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement, which had imposed limits on Iran’s nuclear program. In response, Iran abandoned its commitments to inspections and restrictions.
Trump reaffirmed his plan to reorganize the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). His administration is considering merging USAID into the State Department while reducing staff and aligning its budget with his “America First” strategy.
Elon Musk is overseeing the reforms, focusing on cutting government spending. Trump praised his leadership and pointed to widespread fraud within USAID.
Additionally, more than 20,000 federal employees have agreed to resign through a voluntary exit program. The initiative, available until Thursday, allows workers to leave while keeping their salaries and benefits until September 30. Trump views this as part of his broader plan to reduce government size, though some Democrats question the program’s legality.
Trump is open to transferring American prisoners to foreign jails. While unsure of its legality, he stated he would implement it immediately if possible.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has already offered to house U.S. inmates in his country’s prisons. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the offer “very generous.”