US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States will withdraw from dozens of international and United Nations entities, arguing that they operate against US national interests. According to a memo circulated to senior administration officials, Washington plans to exit 35 non-UN groups and 31 UN bodies as part of a broader shift away from multilateral engagement.
Among the most significant withdrawals is the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, widely regarded as the foundation of global climate diplomacy and the parent treaty of the 2015 Paris Agreement. The decision follows the US absence from last year’s UN climate summit, marking the first time in three decades that Washington skipped the annual gathering.
Manish Bapna, president and chief executive of the Natural Resources Defense Council, said the move would make the United States the first country to leave the UNFCCC. He noted that other nations remain members because participation allows them to shape economic policy and global climate negotiations, beyond moral obligations to address climate change.
Broader retreat from multilateral institutions continues
The administration also confirmed plans to withdraw from UN Women, which promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment, and the UN Population Fund, which focuses on family planning and maternal and child health across more than 150 countries. The United States had already cut funding to UNFPA last year.
The memo states that withdrawal from UN entities will involve ending participation and funding where legally permitted. Trump has already reduced voluntary contributions to most UN agencies. A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres did not immediately comment.
Meanwhile, the decision reflects Trump’s long-standing skepticism toward multilateral organizations. Since starting his second term, he has reduced UN funding, halted engagement with the UN Human Rights Council, extended a freeze on funding for UNRWA, exited UNESCO, and announced plans to leave the World Health Organization and the Paris climate agreement.
Other bodies on the withdrawal list include the UN Conference on Trade and Development and the UN Peacebuilding Commission. The White House said these entities promote policies that conflict with US sovereignty and economic priorities.
