US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday (Jan 7) withdrawing the United States from dozens of international organisations, including 35 non-UN bodies and 31 United Nations entities, citing concerns that they operate against US national interests, the White House said.
Among the organisations affected are the Global Counterterrorism Forum, International Energy Forum, UN Peacebuilding Fund, and the UN International Trade Centre.
In a statement, the White House said the organisations promote “radical climate policies, global governance, and ideological programmes” that conflict with US sovereignty and economic strength.
The decision followed a comprehensive review of all international intergovernmental organisations, conventions and treaties in which the US participates.
“These withdrawals will end American taxpayer funding and involvement in entities that prioritise globalist agendas over US interests, or that address key issues inefficiently or ineffectively,” the statement said, adding that federal funds would be better allocated elsewhere to support national priorities.
The White House did not immediately provide further details when asked.
Since returning to office for a second term, Trump has significantly reduced US engagement with the United Nations, including halting participation in the UN Human Rights Council, extending a suspension of funding for the Palestinian relief agency UNRWA, and withdrawing from the UN cultural agency UNESCO.
The administration has also announced plans to exit the World Health Organization and the Paris climate agreement, reinforcing Trump’s long-standing opposition to multilateral frameworks he says undermine US autonomy.
