U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the country to withdraw from 66 global organisations, including key United Nations entities such as the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), citing conflicts with American national interests.
In a statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that the withdrawals follow Executive Order 14199, after a government-wide review concluded that many of these institutions are redundant, mismanaged, or pursue agendas contrary to U.S. priorities. Rubio said the move is aimed at stopping the flow of taxpayer dollars to organisations delivering limited results while advancing globalist or ideological projects.
Trump has ordered all executive departments to implement the withdrawals immediately. Of the 66 organisations, 31 are UN-affiliated and 35 are non-UN entities. The administration has also reviewed additional international bodies, with more exits possible.
This action continues Trump’s previous withdrawals from the World Health Organization, the Paris Climate Agreement, the UN Human Rights Council, and UNESCO. Critics argue that leaving the UNFCCC, a cornerstone of global climate action, undermines international efforts to combat climate change. EU officials described the move as “regrettable” and vowed to continue climate cooperation with other nations.
Legal experts have noted potential challenges, as the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly regulate the withdrawal process from treaties, raising questions about unilateral executive action.
Rubio framed the withdrawals as part of a broader ideological reset, rejecting what the administration sees as international organisations promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate agendas that conflict with U.S. sovereignty. While the U.S. will maintain diplomacy where it benefits Americans, participation in global bodies that are deemed counterproductive will cease.
The withdrawal represents one of the most significant restructurings of U.S. engagement with multilateral institutions in recent history and underscores the administration’s America-first approach.
