Trump Withdraws the US from 66 International Organizations: Full List and Implications

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations, conventions, and treaties. This decision reflects a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy and aligns with the administration’s “America First” agenda.

Overview of the Withdrawal

The order, signed on Wednesday, impacts a total of 66 organizations, comprising 35 non-UN bodies and 31 United Nations entities. This move marks one of the most extensive rollbacks of US engagement with multilateral institutions in recent years.

According to the White House, the decision was made because continued participation in these organizations was considered "contrary to the interests" of the United States. The administration aims to ensure that American participation in international bodies aligns with its domestic priorities.

Immediate Steps for Withdrawal

Trump’s memorandum requires all executive departments and agencies to act promptly on the withdrawal. For UN entities, this will involve terminating U.S. participation or funding as permitted by law. The directive followed a report from the Secretary of State and consultations with Cabinet members, concluding that support for these organizations was unnecessary or even detrimental to US sovereignty.

Key Organizations Affected

Climate and Energy Organizations

Among the non-UN organizations, several critical climate and energy-related bodies will face US withdrawal. Key exits include:

• International Solar Alliance
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Additional organizations affected are the International Renewable Energy Agency and the Global Counterterrorism Forum, among others.

UN Agencies

The withdrawals also extend to vital UN agencies focused on social development and climate issues, including:

• UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
• UN Population Fund
• UN Women
• UN Water

This decision follows last year’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) amid critiques of its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Concerns Raised by Critics

Experts and former officials have highlighted that this withdrawal may hinder global cooperation on pressing issues such as climate change and public health. Analysts contend that the absence of US leadership in these contexts could slow down international efforts to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate extreme weather events.

Stanford University climate scientist Rob Jackson noted that the US exit could provide other nations with excuses to delay their own commitments to combat climate change.

Broader Implications for US Multilateralism

This decision signals a broader reorientation of Washington’s approach to multilateralism. Critics argue this approach represents a “my way or the highway” mentality, where international cooperation is contingent on alignment with US interests.

Despite these withdrawals, US officials indicate that they will continue selective engagement in global institutions, especially in areas where strategic competition with China is at play.

List of Organizations from Which the US is Withdrawing

Non-UN Organizations (35)

1. 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact
2. Colombo Plan Council
3. Commission for Environmental Cooperation
4. Education Cannot Wait
5. European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats
6. Forum of European National Highway Research Laboratories
7. Freedom Online Coalition
8. Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund
9. Global Counterterrorism Forum
10. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

United Nations Entities (31)

1. Department of Economic and Social Affairs
2. UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) – Economic Commission for Africa
3. International Law Commission
4. Peacebuilding Commission
5. UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

This extensive withdrawal highlights a significant pivot in US foreign policy, emphasizing a focus on domestic interests over international collaboration.