Turk’s concerns come as US President Donald Trump, who is in his second term, has signed numerous executive orders addressing issues such as transgender and civil rights, as well as foreign policy. In February, Trump withdrew the US from the Human Rights Council as part of his efforts to reduce US involvement in international cooperation bodies.
Gender equality, media, and institutions at risk in the US
“We have had long-standing bipartisan support from the United States on human rights, but I am now deeply concerned about the fundamental shift in direction happening both domestically and internationally,” Turk stated. The policies that were once intended to protect people from discrimination are now being labeled as discriminatory themselves.
The progress on gender equality in the US has been reversed, while independent media and institutions are threatened by disinformation, intimidation, and threats, particularly against journalists and public officials. Dividing and polarizing rhetoric is also being used to generate fear and anxiety among many.
Increasing Influence of Tech Oligarchs
Turk’s comments appeared to target Elon Musk, who has been tasked with cutting government administrative costs as head of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Despite being unelected, Musk, an ardent Trump supporter, has significant power. He knows where people live, what they do, their genetics, health conditions, their thoughts, habits, desires, and fears. He knows us better than we know ourselves and can manipulate us.
Under Musk, thousands of people have been fired from their positions in various government agencies and departments, including those responsible for international development aid and climate data collection.
Edited by: Rob Turner
