Trump’s First-Day Actions Relating to the American Jewish Community and Israel
A Strong Step Toward Confronting Terror Supporters and Empowering Israel
On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump implemented a series of actions set to reshape U.S. policy toward Israel and the Jewish people. These included lifting the Biden-era hold on the supply of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, reinstating sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), pausing U.S. foreign aid programs that might not align with American interests for a 90-day policy review, effectively authorizing the deportation of visa holders tied to pro-Hamas activities or terrorism, and pledging unwavering support for Israel’s military operations and defense needs.
Lifting the Hold on 2,000-Pound Bombs
One of Trump’s first moves was to lift the Biden administration’s hold on a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. Outgoing Israeli ambassador to the U.S., Mike Herzog, told Axios that Israel expects the Trump administration to quickly release the munitions, signaling a return to full military cooperation. With the hold lifted, Israel can replenish its stockpile and strengthen its military capabilities in ongoing conflicts with the terror group Hamas.
Restoring Sanctions on the ICC
Trump reinstated sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), reversing Biden’s decision to lift them. The ICC had issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Netanyahu. By restoring these sanctions, Trump reasserted U.S. opposition to politically motivated actions by the ICC and reinforced his commitment to defending Israel from lawfare campaigns on the international stage.
Foreign Aid Review and UNRWA Scrutiny
The Trump administration also announced a 90-day pause on foreign developmental assistance programs, such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), to review their alignment with U.S. policy.
UNRWA has been found to have ties to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad—both U.S.-designated terror groups—with reports documenting instances where individuals affiliated with these groups have worked for or influenced the agency. Evidence shows that Hamas operatives have used UNRWA facilities and resources to further their objectives, while senior UNRWA officials have cooperated with leaders of these organizations.
Notably, investigations revealed that some UNRWA members were directly involved in planning and facilitating the October 7th Hamas-led massacre.
Deportation of Pro-Terror Individuals
Trump authorized the deportation of visa holders engaged in activities linked to terrorism or hateful ideologies, which would likely include individuals participating in pro-Hamas protests, riots, or fundraising efforts.
The executive order emphasizes vigilance during the visa-issuance process to prevent the admission of individuals who may harm Americans or national interests. More importantly, the administration aims to identify such threats before they gain entry into the country and ensure that those already present are not aiding or supporting designated foreign terrorists or other threats to national security.