Donald Trump announced the United States' withdrawal from 66 international organizations and United Nations agencies, including foundational climate treaties and women's rights groups, citing harm to sovereignty and inefficient use of taxpayer funds. Experts warn the U.S. is foregoing opportunities and control over the global economy.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated last Wednesday that the United States will proceed to withdraw from numerous international organizations and United Nations agencies, describing these bodies as "acting contrary to the nation's interests."
In a memorandum to senior government officials, Trump listed 35 non-UN organizations and 31 UN agencies from which the U.S. plans to withdraw. Among them is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), regarded as a foundational treaty and the parent agreement of the 2015 Paris Accord.
Manish Bapna, president and CEO of the Natural Resources Defense Council, commented that the U.S. is set to become the first country to leave the UNFCCC while other nations remain members. He emphasized that all member states recognize that holding a seat at international climate negotiations is both a moral duty and a means to wield power over global economic policy and opportunities.
Beyond climate issues, the U.S. also plans to withdraw from UN Women, which promotes gender equality and women's empowerment, as well as UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund overseeing family planning and maternal health in over 150 countries—a program previously defunded by the U.S.
The memorandum states that withdrawal entails ending cooperation and financial support to the extent permitted by law. Previously, Trump ordered cuts to nearly all voluntary U.S. funding to UN agencies.
The White House declared that this decision is part of a comprehensive review of international commitments, claiming these organizations promote "extreme climate policies, global governance, and ideological programs conflicting with U.S. sovereignty and economic strength."
"The withdrawal will stop American taxpayer money from funding globalist agendas and reallocate budgets more effectively to support U.S. missions," the statement said.
Since beginning his second term last year, Trump has pursued anti-multilateral policies, including withdrawing from the United Nations Human Rights Council, suspending funding to UNRWA (the Palestinian relief agency), quitting UNESCO, and announcing plans to leave the World Health Organization (WHO).
Additionally, the list of organizations the U.S. plans to exit includes the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Energy Forum (IEF), and the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission.
: SourceReuters