On January 7, 2026 (U.S. time), the White House issued a presidential memorandum directing the United States to withdraw from 66 international organizations and agreements, including several United Nations and climate-related bodies. The decision, approved under President Donald Trump, marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy and its approach to global cooperation.
What the United States Is Withdrawing From
According to the official White House memorandum, the withdrawals cover 66 entities in total, comprising 31 United Nations bodies and 35 non-UN international organizations. Federal agencies have been instructed to begin withdrawal procedures “as soon as practicable.”
Among the most notable exits are:
- The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the central framework governing global climate negotiations
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which produces major scientific climate assessments
- Several UN-affiliated agencies involved in development, social policy, and multilateral cooperation
The administration stated that these bodies no longer align with U.S. national interests.
Why the Administration Ordered the Withdrawals
The White House said the review concluded that participation in many of the organizations was costly, inefficient, or inconsistent with U.S. policy priorities. The memorandum argues that continued membership limited U.S. sovereignty and imposed obligations without sufficient return.
The decision is part of a broader reassessment of U.S. engagement in multilateral institutions.
International Reaction and UN Response
The United Nations expressed regret over the move. UN officials noted that while the U.S. can withdraw from certain bodies and agreements, some assessed financial obligations under the UN system may still apply, depending on the specific organization and legal framework.
Climate experts and diplomatic analysts have warned that the decision could reduce U.S. influence in shaping international climate policy and global governance, while potentially ceding leadership space to other major powers.
Key Highlights
• The US will exit 66 international organizations and agreements.
• Withdrawals include major climate and UN-linked institutions.
• The move marks a sharp shift away from multilateral engagement.
Conclusion
The U.S. decision to withdraw from 66 international bodies represents one of the most far-reaching reversals of multilateral policy in recent decades. While the administration frames the move as protecting national interests, its long-term impact on climate cooperation, diplomacy, and global economic coordination is likely to remain a subject of international debate.
FAQ
A1: The U.S. is withdrawing from the UNFCCC and the IPCC, both central to global climate coordination and scientific assessment.
A2: The White House issued the withdrawal memorandum on January 7, 2026 (U.S. time).
