A second presidential term for Donald Trump could bring far-reaching consequences for human rights in the United States (U.S.) and beyond. Trump’s approach to issues such as immigration, reproductive rights, and international human rights institutions suggests that his administration may prioritise restrictive policies rather than inclusive protections.With his administration likely to adopt hardline stances on abortion, immigration, and global humanitarian policies, advocates worry about a rollback in protections for vulnerable groups, including refugees, women, and children, as well as potential shifts in U.S. relations with human rights institutions.

International human rights groups are raising alarms about Trump’s proposed plans. Human Rights Watch director Tirana Hassan expressed concern, stating that: “Donald Trump has made no secret of his intent to violate the human rights of millions of people in the United States.” Advocates point to his proposed immigration policies as a particularly troubling area. Trump has already promised to start what he calls the “largest deportation operation in American history,” a plan aimed at expelling millions of immigrants. Amnesty International warns that such policies would result in widespread family separations, discriminatory profiling, and a surge in deportations that could tear apart established immigrant communities. These actions, Hassan notes, could set a dangerous precedent, reducing the U.S.’s role as a beacon for humanitarian protection.

While Trump’s supporters may argue these measures prioritise American interests, his immigration policies could have severe humanitarian consequences. The predicted expansion of deportation operations would likely involve racial profiling and escalate human rights abuses within immigration enforcement. Additionally, the reinstatement of the travel ban on certain Muslim-majority countries could reintroduce policies affecting specific religious and ethnic groups. Rather than promoting cohesion, such policies may increase societal divides and reduce protections for vulnerable populations, including children in immigrant families. If enacted, these measures could also affect international relationships and create tensions with allies that prioritise human rights protections.

Trump’s potential policies on reproductive rights and healthcare could represent a considerable shift from current protections. Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, several states have implemented abortion bans. A Trump administration could pursue a national abortion ban by applying laws like the 1873 Comstock Act, which restricts the mailing of abortion-related materials, potentially blocking the shipment of abortion pills that currently account for about two-thirds of abortions in the U.S. As a global superpower, U.S. policy shifts in reproductive healthcare may influence international norms, affecting approaches to women’s health and reproductive rights in other countries.

To understand Trump’s potential impact on human rights, it is essential to consider his past administration’s approach. During his first term, Trump’s policies targeted immigrant communities and restricted reproductive health access, weakening the protections that refugees and low-income families rely on. His administration’s 2017 family separation policy at the U.S.-Mexico border drew international condemnation as images of children separated from their parents highlighted the policy’s traumatic impact. Additionally, his administration withdrew the U.S. from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) officials investigating potential war crimes involving U.S. personnel. Trump’s stance on international human rights frameworks demonstrated an “America First” agenda, prioritising national sovereignty over multilateral human rights commitments.

A Trump presidency in 2024 could lead to more restrictive and isolationist policies, potentially eroding the global human rights landscape. His administration’s reluctance to work with international institutions, like the UN and ICC, could further isolate the U.S. on the world stage and embolden other nations to neglect human rights. Trump’s proposals threaten to dismantle years of progress on refugee protections, women’s rights, and children’s health, creating an uncertain future for fundamental human rights. With the possibility of his administration enacting sweeping changes, the global community and human rights organisations must prepare to respond to and challenge these potential setbacks to safeguard the rights of all individuals, regardless of national boundaries.