US diplomats staged UN walkout after France criticized human rights record under Trump

US diplomats staged a walkout from a United Nations meeting Monday, protesting France's criticism of the United States' human rights record during the Trump administration. The incident unfolded during a UN Security Council session focused on the Ukraine-Russia war.

The walkout followed days after the Trump administration implemented sweeping tariffs on numerous countries, citing "forced labor" allegations. Critics argued the administration used these claims as a convenient pretext for the new duties. The day after the tariffs were announced, the Trump administration questioned the credibility of the UN human rights system and opposed the reappointment of Volker Türk, the UN human rights chief.

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The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore. Today, it stands alongside North Korea, Nicaragua, Mali & Russia, isolated. And the world no longer listens to it. #AmericaAlone

France's UN mission in Geneva responded with a strong statement on social media, asserting, "The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore." The mission added that the US now stands "isolated" alongside nations like North Korea, Nicaragua, Mali, and Russia, and that "the world no longer listens to it." The post concluded with the hashtag "#AmericaAlone."

In March, Türk had expressed deep concern over a "fundamental shift in direction" in the US. In June, he sharply criticized the Trump administration, calling for "prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigations" into deaths occurring in US government immigration custody. Despite US opposition and votes against his reappointment from nine other countries, including Russia and North Korea, Türk was re-appointed with 144 countries in favor, including France, China, and the UK.

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It is disappointing – though not surprising – that this is how France deflects on its shameful vote to coddle some of the worst human rights abusers. France voted for someone who has been lecturing, free, sovereign democracies like the United States, the UK, and Israel, while cozying up to the world’s worst oppressors.

Responding to France's social media post, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz wrote on X that it was "disappointing – though not surprising – that this is how France deflects on its shameful vote to coddle some of the worst human rights abusers." He accused France of voting for someone "who has been lecturing, free, sovereign democracies like the United States, the UK, and Israel, while cozying up to the world’s worst oppressors."

During Monday's meeting, US Deputy Ambassador Dan Negrea reiterated criticism, stating the US "remains the beacon of liberty for the world." He declared, "As such, we will not be affording them the benefit of listening to their politicized drivel until they renounce their condescending and disrespectful rhetoric and behave in a manner commensurate with their seat on this council."

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As such, we will not be affording them the benefit of listening to their politicized drivel until they renounce their condescending and disrespectful rhetoric and behave in a manner commensurate with their seat on this council.