Trump Revokes Biden-Era Policy Tying U.S. Arms Sales to Human Rights Compliance

The decision removes restrictions on arms transfers to allies like Israel, sparking criticism over its implications for human rights and U.S. foreign policy.

President Donald Trump has rescinded National Security Memorandum-20, a Biden-era policy requiring assurances that U.S.-supplied weapons would not violate international humanitarian law.
The memorandum was introduced in 2024 as a response to concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza during Israel's military actions against Hamas militants.
The repeal follows Trump administration decisions to unfreeze $7.4 billion in weapons sales to Israel and lift sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
Critics, including Senator Chris Van Hollen, argue the move undermines global human rights and weakens U.S. credibility, while Republican Senator Jim Risch supports it as strengthening alliances.
The decision signals a broader rollback of Biden's policies on arms transfers and humanitarian oversight, aligning with Trump's 'America First' foreign policy approach.