On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum directing the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations, the White House announced.
The order mandates that U.S. agencies and departments halt participation and funding for 35 non-UN organizations and 31 UN organizations, which the administration argues no longer align with American interests. According to the White House, these organizations operate in ways that undermine U.S. national security, economic prosperity, and sovereignty.
The memorandum instructs all relevant U.S. departments and agencies to immediately halt both participation in and funding for the international organizations listed in the order. It specifically targets groups the administration believes prioritize global agendas over U.S. interests or fail to address key issues effectively, arguing that taxpayer money would be better spent elsewhere.
According to the White House, President Trump is ending U.S. participation in international organizations that undermine America's sovereignty and waste taxpayer money. The administration argues that many of these organizations promote radical climate policies, global governance initiatives, and ideological programs that conflict with U.S. interests.
Withdrawal from Organizations: The U.S. is pulling out of international bodies that the administration believes undermine U.S. independence and economic strength.
Radical Policies: Many organizations are accused of promoting global climate agendas and governance initiatives at odds with U.S. priorities.
Inefficient Spending: The administration highlights that billions of taxpayer dollars have been spent with little benefit or return.
Criticism of U.S. Policies: Several organizations are said to regularly criticize U.S. actions or policies.
Failure to Deliver: Despite significant financial contributions, many organizations have been deemed ineffective in addressing key global challenges.
The memorandum covers 31 United Nations (UN) entities, including:
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) — Economic Commission for Africa
ECOSOC — Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
ECOSOC — Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
ECOSOC — Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia
International Law Commission
International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals
International Trade Centre
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
Peacebuilding Fund
The White House has announced that the United States will exit from multiple non-UN organizations including:
International Solar Alliance
24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact
Colombo Plan Council
Commission for Environmental Cooperation
Education Cannot Wait
European Centre of Excellence for Countering
The White House said President Trump’s decision to exit these entities aims to save taxpayer money and prioritize "America First" goals. This move follows a comprehensive review of all international organizations, treaties, and conventions the U.S. supports.
This is not the first time Trump has made such a move. Even before this, immediately upon taking office, President Trump began pulling the U.S. out of significant international agreements, including the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement. On his very first day, Trump also signed a presidential memorandum telling the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) that its global tax deal would have no legal authority in the U.S.
