U.S. president Donald Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations, the White House announced. The decision follows a comprehensive review of international intergovernmental organizations, conventions, and treaties in which the United States participates, funds, or supports.
According to the memorandum, the United States will cease participation in and funding for 35 non-United Nations organizations and 31 United Nations-affiliated entities that were found to operate contrary to U.S. national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty. The administration stated that these bodies were identified as redundant, mismanaged, ineffective, or misaligned with U.S. priorities.
Among the most notable withdrawals is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the foundational treaty underpinning major international climate agreements. The UNFCCC was adopted in 1992 and approved by the U.S. Senate later that year. The White House said continued participation in such frameworks no longer serves American interests.
The memorandum also instructs all executive departments and agencies to halt involvement in organizations that advance global agendas over domestic priorities or address international challenges in ways deemed inefficient or ineffective. The administration emphasized that ending participation would conclude American taxpayer funding for these entities and allow resources to be redirected elsewhere.
Since returning to office, President Trump has also initiated U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization. Additional actions include ending U.S. participation in the UN Human Rights Council and prohibiting future funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for the Near East (UNRWA).
