Media: Rubio team rewrites human rights report to reflect Trump’s priorities

The release of the US State Department’s 2024 human rights report has been delayed as senior officials make extensive revisions to sensitive sections, notably those related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

According to two current State Department officials, a former official, and another person familiar with the matter, who spoke to POLITICO the report was initially slated for release this Friday, on August 1, but it is now expected to be quietly published on a later Friday with little public attention — a departure from previous practices that featured formal presentations by the Secretary of State.

This year’s report, first drafted under the Biden administration, was significantly scaled back months ago, following directives to shorten it. The draft was then subject to further edits under close supervision by Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s senior aides, including Counsellor Mike Needham and Policy Planning Chief Michael Anton. These changes reportedly focus on adjusting the language surrounding Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank, particularly softening language about Israeli settlers — an area where the Trump administration diverges from its predecessor’s more critical tone.

Officials also expressed scepticism toward using data from organisations such as Amnesty International, citing concerns about potential bias against Israel, despite the long-standing practice of relying on such groups.

Other Middle East sections, including those on Gulf allies, are also undergoing extra scrutiny. One section about El Salvador, where deported migrants have reportedly ended up imprisoned, is likewise under high-level review.

Another area drawing attention is how the report will handle freedom of speech, particularly in European countries accused by the Trump team of repressing conservative voices, even as the administration itself faces criticism for deportations allegedly tied to views on Israel.

The human rights report, a key reference for courts, governments, and asylum decisions, is traditionally fact-based and apolitical, with new administrations rarely rewriting prior versions. However, sources interviewed by NatSec Daily — all speaking anonymously — voiced concern that this year’s report marks a deep politicisation of the process, especially amid recent cuts to the department’s human rights staff.

A State Department spokesperson responded, “Of course, there is leadership oversight of reports that could have significant impacts on America’s foreign policy.” One official defended the changes, arguing the report had been “thoroughly politicised before,” and that the revisions reflect President Donald Trump’s priorities more clearly.

By Tamilla Hasanova