President Donald Trump’s Administration Scales Back U.S. Human Rights Report – New India Abroad

 

The Trump administration’s 2024 U.S. State Department Human Rights Report marks a sharp departure from previous editions, significantly softening criticism of allied nations like El Salvador and Israel while intensifying scrutiny of political rivals such as Brazil and South Africa. Rights organizations say the omissions reflect political priorities over factual assessments.

Compared to the Biden-era reports, references to LGBTQI rights and explicit condemnation of alleged abuses by key partners have largely vanished. The section on Israel is notably shorter, excluding mention of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and death toll, despite reports of over 61,000 fatalities following Israel’s 2023 military campaign. In contrast, the report emphasizes freedom-of-speech issues in Europe and criticizes Brazil’s judiciary for allegedly suppressing Bolsonaro supporters.

El Salvador’s profile shifted dramatically from detailing unlawful killings and prison abuses in 2023 to stating there were “no credible reports” of significant rights violations. Analysts note that this aligns with Trump’s strengthened ties with President Nayib Bukele, including $6 million in U.S. funds to detain deportees in a mega-prison.

In South Africa, the report alleges worsening discrimination against Afrikaners and controversial land expropriation plans, echoing far-right narratives. South Africa dismissed the findings as inaccurate and politically motivated.

Critics, such as former State Department official Josh Paul, likened the new report to “Soviet propaganda,” while officials defended it as more readable and free from “politically biased demands.” The overhaul follows a purge of staff from the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledging to align the bureau’s focus with “Western values.”

This year’s edition underscores a shift in U.S. foreign policy: selective advocacy, prioritizing alliances, and reframing human rights through an “America First” lens.