Trump Lifts Restrictions on U.S. Weapons Use in International Humanitarian Law Violations
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu (L) and U.S. President Donald Trump (R). X/ @trtworld
February 25, 2025 Hour: 2:40 pm
By eliminating NSM-20, he sends a signal to U.S. partners that his administration simply does not care how U.S. weapons are used.
President Donald Trump rescinded National Security Memorandum No. 20 (NSM-20), which required the United States to ensure that weapons sold abroad were not used in violation of international humanitarian law.
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The measure, adopted in February 2024 by the Joe Biden administration, aimed to establish stricter controls over the use of U.S. weaponry in international conflicts.
The memorandum was pushed by Democratic lawmakers who demanded greater safeguards in arms sales, particularly following reports that U.S. military equipment had been used by the Israeli occupation regime in operations against the Gaza Strip.
Under this memorandum, lawmakers had required countries receiving U.S. military aid to provide “credible and reliable” assurances that they would respect human rights.
The provision also required commitments from arms buyers to prevent attacks on civilians and not restrict humanitarian aid. However, with the repeal of NSM-20, these safeguards are no longer in effect.
In response to the situation, Christopher Le Mon, the official responsible for human rights at the State Department under Joe Biden, stated:
“By eliminating NSM-20, the only thing the Trump administration is doing is sending a signal to U.S. partners that the administration simply does not care how American weapons are used—no matter how illegal or immoral it may be.”
Had Trump not rescinded the memorandum, his administration would have been required to report to Congress in the coming months with its own assessment of the conduct of the Zionist regime.
The repeal of NSM-20 reflects a shift in U.S. foreign policy, adopting a more lenient approach toward the use of military force by its allies. Critics argue that Trump’s decision weakens international human rights standards and could encourage abuses in armed conflicts.
“Trump is leaving no room for ambiguity. He’s saying the U.S. doesn’t care about human rights violations or war crimes as long as they’re committed by U.S. allies, or Trump’s personal buddies. This is finally an honest representation of the U.S. role in the world. No more smokescreens,” writer Tariq Kenney-Shawa pointed out.
teleSUR/ JF
Sources: Al Mayadeen – TWP
