US lifts sanctions on Myanmar's military junta amid praise for Trump

Myanmar, officially known as the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, has been under the military rule of Min Aung Hlaing since a coup in February 2021. The coup resulted in widespread condemnation from the international community, leading to the Biden administration severing diplomatic relations and imposing new sanctions on Myanmar's military regime. In early July 2025, the Trump administration took notable steps that shifted the U.S. diplomatic stance towards Myanmar. On July 7, Trump reached out to the military leaders of Myanmar with a tariff letter highlighting a potential 40% trade penalty. This letter was significant as it marked the first contact from the White House with the junta following the coup, indicating a possible change in U.S. foreign policy. Min Aung Hlaing responded positively on July 11, thanking Trump for his letter and commending his leadership. Just weeks later, on July 24, the U.S. Treasury Department announced the lifting of sanctions against various allies of Myanmar's military generals, a decision met with concern from human rights advocates. John Sifton from Human Rights Watch categorized this sanction lift as alarming, suggesting a major shift in U.S. policy from punitive measures towards engagement or recognition of Myanmar’s military rulers. Despite officials denying that the letter influenced the sanctions decision, the timeline hints at a complicated relationship developing between the U.S. and Myanmar's military regime, raising questions about the implications for U.S. foreign policy and human rights in Myanmar.