US President Donald Trump has ordered the United States to withdraw from dozens of international organisations. Many of the affected groups focus on climate policy and environmental protection. Nearly half of the 66 organisations operate under the United Nations umbrella. The list includes the Framework Convention on Climate Change, which supports global climate efforts.
The decision also affects organisations working on development, gender equality, and conflict prevention. The administration has repeatedly criticised these areas as promoting globalist or ideological agendas. The White House said the organisations no longer serve American interests and pursue ineffective or hostile goals.
White House Says Withdrawals Protect National Priorities
Trump signed the withdrawal memorandum on Wednesday after a government review. The White House described the organisations as a waste of taxpayer money. Officials said the move would end US funding for groups prioritising global agendas over national needs.
The administration said many of the organisations promote radical climate policies. It added that international governance efforts undermine US sovereignty and economic strength.
Exit Raises Alarm Among Climate Scientists
The United States has also withdrawn from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The panel provides the most influential global assessments on climate science. Governments rely on its reports to understand rising temperatures.
Sources inside the panel warned the decision could disrupt future research. They expressed concern about reduced involvement from US scientists. The administration has already blocked American researchers from attending a meeting in China.
Limits on participation could delay upcoming climate assessments. The mitigation report faces particular risk of postponement.
Energy and Security Partnerships Also Affected
The withdrawal extends beyond UN-linked organisations. Several non-UN groups have also lost US membership. 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 rejected the scientific consensus on human-caused climate change.
Legal Uncertainty Surrounds Treaty Withdrawal
The United States will need one year to complete withdrawal from the climate convention. In practice, the country scaled back participation long before this decision. Campaigners are now urging legal challenges in US courts.
The US constitution outlines how presidents enter treaties. It does not explain how withdrawals should occur. Legal experts say this leaves future reversals uncertain.
International Leaders Voice Strong Criticism
The move follows a second withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement last year. The administration also declined to attend the COP30 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 representative from the Union of Concerned Scientists described the decision as a new low. Policy director Rachel Cleetus said the administration continues to destabilise global cooperation and public wellbeing.
