The United States is taking steps to withdraw from dozens of international organizations, conventions, and treaties after a high-level review concluded that continued participation does not align with America’s interests.
President Donald Trump signed a memorandum directing the federal government to exit 66 international bodies, asserting they are “contrary to the interests of the United States” and ordering executive agencies to implement the withdrawals as quickly as permitted by law.
“I have determined that it is contrary to the interests of the United States to remain a member of, participate in, or otherwise provide support to these organizations,” the president stated.
The action follows a review ordered earlier this year that required the Secretary of State, in consultation with the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, to examine all international organizations, conventions, and treaties receiving U.S. funding or support. After reviewing the findings and consulting with Cabinet officials, the administration concluded that continued involvement in many of the groups no longer serves national priorities.
The list includes both United Nations and non-UN organizations spanning climate policy, energy, migration, development, and governance.
On the United Nations side, Trump plans to cease participation and funding for entities including the Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Population Fund, and UN Energy, according to the memorandum. Withdrawal is defined as ending U.S. participation and financial support to the extent allowed under existing law.
Among the non-UN bodies targeted are the International Solar Alliance, the International Renewable Energy Agency, the Global Forum on Migration and Development, and the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, all of which focus on global coordination in energy, environmental, and migration policy.
Administration officials argue that many of the organizations promote policies or agendas that undermine U.S. sovereignty, impose financial obligations on taxpayers, or advance priorities inconsistent with domestic economic interests. They say the withdrawals will allow the federal government to redirect resources toward domestic needs.
The memorandum notes that the review process remains ongoing and authorizes the Secretary of State to provide additional guidance as agencies carry out the directive. It also specifies that the action creates no new legal rights and must be implemented consistent with existing law and available appropriations.