Close to half of the 66 targeted organizations are UN-affiliated bodies, including its primary climate negotiations platform and other international forums
The United States has declared it will pull out of dozens of international organizations that no longer align with American interests—this includes key UN and non-UN bodies focused on climate, migration, social policy, peace, and democracy.
President Donald Trump signed a memorandum halting support for a total of 66 organizations, agencies, and commissions “that operate contrary to US national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty,” the White House stated on Thursday.
“These withdrawals end taxpayer support for entities that advance globalist agendas over US priorities or address key issues inefficiently,” the statement read, adding that many of them target “radical climate policies, global governance, and ideological programs conflicting with US sovereignty and economic strength.”
Impacted organizations include the UNFCCC (the UN’s main climate negotiations body), UN Women (which handles gender equality), and UNFPA (a major agency focused on population and demographics).
Non-UN entities on the list include the IPCC—a leading climate science authority that won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize—the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the Global Counterterrorism Forum.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Trump’s action, accusing the targeted bodies of “actively seeking to constrain American sovereignty.”
“Trump is clear: no more sending American taxpayers’ money abroad with little to show for it,” Rubio said in a statement released by the U.S. State Department, noting that Washington will continue reviewing its commitments to other international forums.
Critics labeled the move a “new low.” Rachel Cleetus, senior policy director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said it was another sign that Trump’s “authoritarian” and “anti-science” administration is determined to destabilize global cooperation. Gina McCarthy, former White House climate adviser, stated that leaving UN climate processes specifically is “shortsighted, embarrassing, and foolish.”
These withdrawals follow Trump’s earlier exits from the Paris Climate Accord, WHO, UNESCO, and funding cuts to UN agencies including the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Last year, a group of Republican lawmakers urged the U.S. to withdraw from the UN entirely, claiming the organization betrays American interests. While Trump has repeatedly criticized the UN, he has not formally announced plans for a full withdrawal.