Trump Administration Policies Face Rights Concerns

The Human Rights Watch released its World Report 2026, detailing human rights practices in over 100 countries, including a critical assessment of the United States during President Donald Trump’s second term. The report highlights a concerning trend toward authoritarianism and impunity for human rights abuses within the country.

In the 36th edition of the report, Executive Director Philippe Bolopion emphasizes the challenge of countering a global wave of authoritarianism and calls for a strategic alliance between rights-respecting democracies and civil society to defend fundamental freedoms.

Immigration Enforcement and Due Process

The Trump administration initiated widespread immigration raids and mass arrests, including significant federal deployments that impacted immigrant communities. Individuals, including asylum seekers, were summarily removed and transferred to third countries, sometimes facing enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention, including Venezuelan nationals sent to a Salvadoran prison where they were reportedly tortured.

Undermining Accountability and Civil Society

The administration actively sought to undermine government accountability, dismantling civil rights protections and threatening civil society groups with investigations and removal of charitable tax status. Efforts were made to eliminate federal diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Restrictions on Healthcare Access

The Trump administration reduced funding for healthcare subsidies, impacting access to health insurance for millions of Americans. These cuts were intended to help fund tax reductions for wealthy households and corporations. Restrictions on abortion access also expanded at the state level, with the administration targeting Planned Parenthood and reproductive health programs.

US Foreign Policy and Human Rights

US foreign policy during this period demonstrated a disregard for human rights obligations and a shift away from prioritizing human rights in diplomacy.

The administration terminated nearly all US foreign aid, including funding for human rights defenders, local civil society groups, and humanitarian assistance. It withdrew from key multilateral forums such as the United Nations Human Rights Council, the World Health Organization, and the Paris Climate Agreement.

The State Department’s capacity on human rights was diminished, and the annual human rights report was described as distorted. Hostility toward accountability and global justice efforts increased, with sanctions imposed on International Criminal Court officials, a UN expert, and Palestinian human rights organizations.

Multiple unlawful lethal military strikes on small boats in the Caribbean and Pacific resulted in numerous deaths. According to Human Rights Watch, these actions reflect a similar disregard for the rule of law seen in domestic policies.