The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk, has expressed deep concern about a “fundamental shift in direction” by the United States under President Donald Trump. In a speech on March 3, Turk warned that divisive rhetoric is being used to deceive and polarize people.
“We have enjoyed bipartisan support from the US on human rights over many decades… I am now deeply worried by the fundamental shift in direction that is taking place domestically and internationally,” Turk said, without mentioning Trump by name.
Turk criticized policies that label anti-discrimination measures as discriminatory and highlighted the use of divisive rhetoric to distort and polarize, generating fear and anxiety among many. His remarks, delivered to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, are his strongest yet on the impact of the new US administration’s policies.
Since taking office on January 20, Trump has issued a series of executive orders aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across the federal government and private sector. Additionally, USAID programs have been paused for 90 days while the administration reviews their alignment with its “America First” policy.