United States Withdraws from 66 International Organizations Under Presidential Memorandum

U.S. Announces Withdrawal from Dozens of International Bodies

On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, President Donald Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations and treaties. This significant move follows a comprehensive review by the Trump administration of the nation's participation in various international intergovernmental organizations, conventions, and treaties. The directive mandates all executive departments and agencies to cease participation in and funding for these entities.

Rationale Cites National Interests and Sovereignty

The White House stated that the decision was based on the determination that these organizations 'no longer serve American interests' and 'undermine America's independence'. The administration further asserted that many of these bodies 'waste taxpayer dollars on ineffective or hostile agendas' and promote 'radical climate policies, global governance, and ideological programs that conflict with U.S. sovereignty and economic strength'. The memorandum also highlighted concerns that some institutions were 'redundant in their scope, mismanaged, unnecessary, wasteful, poorly run, captured by the interests of actors advancing their own agendas contrary to our own, or a threat to our nation's sovereignty, freedoms, and general prosperity'.

Key Organizations Affected, Including Major Climate Groups

The 66 entities comprise 35 non-United Nations (UN) organizations and 31 UN entities. Among the most prominent organizations from which the U.S. is withdrawing support are key climate-related bodies. These include the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the foundational treaty for international climate cooperation, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the leading global scientific body for assessing climate change. Other climate and environmental groups mentioned for withdrawal include the International Renewable Energy Agency, the International Solar Alliance, and the 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact.

Beyond climate, the list encompasses a wide array of organizations. The administration had previously initiated withdrawals or prohibited funding for entities such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Paris Climate Agreement, the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the UN Relief and Works Agency for the Near East (UNRWA), and UNESCO. Other affected organizations include various panels of the UN Economic and Social Council, the International Law Commission, the International Trade Centre, the Global Counterterrorism Forum, and the Global Forum on Migration and Development.

Reactions to the Decision

The decision has drawn criticism from various international observers and environmental groups. Experts described the move as 'shortsighted, embarrassing, and foolish' and a 'strategic blunder'. Critics highlighted that the UNFCCC, which the U.S. Senate ratified in 1992, serves as the bedrock of international cooperation on climate change, with nearly 200 countries as parties. This action marks a further step in the Trump administration's approach to international engagements, prioritizing what it defines as 'America First' policies.