US President Donald Trump has ordered the United States to withdraw from dozens of international organisations. Many of the affected bodies focus on climate change and environmental protection. Almost half of the 66 organisations belong to the United Nations system. The list includes the Framework Convention on Climate Change, which supports global climate cooperation.
The decision also affects organisations working on development, gender equality, and conflict management. The administration has repeatedly criticised these areas as ideological. The White House said the organisations no longer serve American interests and promote hostile agendas.
White House Says Withdrawals Serve National Interests
Trump signed the withdrawal memorandum on Wednesday following an internal review. The White House described the organisations as a waste of taxpayer money. Officials said the decision would end US funding and involvement in groups that conflict with national priorities.
The administration said many organisations promote radical climate policies. It added that international governance efforts weaken US sovereignty and economic strength.
Climate Research Faces Uncertainty After Exit
The United States has also withdrawn from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The panel delivers the world’s most influential climate science assessments. Governments rely on its findings to understand global temperature trends.
Sources within the panel warned of disruption to future research. They expressed concern about reduced involvement from US scientists. The administration has already blocked American researchers from attending a meeting in China.
Restrictions on participation could delay upcoming reports. The mitigation report faces a heightened risk of delay.
Energy, Democracy, and Security Groups Affected
The withdrawal extends beyond UN-linked organisations. Several non-UN international groups have also lost US participation. These bodies focus on clean energy cooperation and democratic governance. They include the International Solar Alliance and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum.
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance also appears on the list. Trump has previously removed funding from multilateral organisations he opposes. He has repeatedly dismissed the scientific consensus on human-caused climate change.
Legal Uncertainty Surrounds Treaty Withdrawals
The United States must wait one year to fully exit the climate convention. In practice, the country reduced active participation long ago. Campaigners are now urging legal challenges in US courts.
The US constitution outlines how presidents join treaties. It does not explain how withdrawals should occur. Legal experts say this creates uncertainty for future administrations.
Allies Warn of Damage to Global Cooperation
The decision follows a second withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement last year. The administration also declined to attend the COP30 climate summit in Brazil. The United States has already exited the World Health Organization and several other UN bodies.
European leaders criticised the decision and warned of weakened cooperation. EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra called the move regrettable. EU vice-president Teresa Ribera said the administration ignored environmental and human consequences.
A member of the Union of Concerned Scientists described the decision as a new low. Policy director Rachel Cleetus said the administration continues to undermine global stability and public wellbeing.
