WASHINGTON — President Donald J. Trump issued a sweeping presidential memorandum Wednesday directing the United States to withdraw from dozens of international organizations and treaties, signaling a dramatic shift in the nation’s foreign policy and global commitments.
The order, signed Jan. 7, targets 35 non-United Nations entities and 31 U.N. programs, ranging from high-profile climate agreements to international legal and humanitarian groups. In the document, Trump characterized the organizations as “contrary to the interests of the United States.”
“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 the organizations listed,” Trump wrote in the memorandum.
The move follows a review initiated in February 2025 under Executive Order 14199. The president stated that after deliberating with his Cabinet and reviewing findings from the Secretary of State, “immediate steps” must be taken to effectuate withdrawals “as soon as possible.”
Targeted Organizations
The list of affected groups is broad and touches nearly every sector of international cooperation:
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Climate and Energy: The U.S. will exit the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and the International Renewable Energy Agency.
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Human Rights and Gender: The administration is pulling support from UN Women, the UN Population Fund, and the Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict.
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Trade and Law: Withdrawals include the UN Conference on Trade and Development, the International Law Commission, and the International Trade Centre.
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Security: The U.S. will depart from the Global Counterterrorism Forum and the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combatting Piracy in Asia.
Impact on the United Nations
The memorandum specifically clarifies that for United Nations entities, withdrawal will mean “ceasing participation in or funding to those entities to the extent permitted by law.”
The directive also targets the UN University, the UN Democracy Fund, and several regional economic commissions covering Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
“My review of further findings of the Secretary of State remains ongoing,” Trump noted, suggesting that more withdrawals could be announced in the coming months.
Implementation
The Secretary of State has been tasked with providing implementation guidance to executive departments and agencies. While the memorandum directs “immediate steps,” it includes a provision stating that implementation must be consistent with “applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations,” a nod to potential legal and budgetary hurdles in Congress.
Critics of the move have expressed concern that a mass withdrawal will diminish American influence on the world stage, while supporters argue it is a necessary step to reclaim national sovereignty and reduce wasteful spending on global bureaucracies.
