Trump Orders U.S. Withdrawal From Dozens of International Bodies, Citing National Interest

President Donald J. Trump has directed the immediate withdrawal of the United States from dozens of international organizations, conventions and United Nations bodies, declaring that continued participation in them is “contrary to the interests of the United States,” according to a presidential memorandum issued on January 7, 2026.

In the memorandum addressed to the heads of executive departments and agencies, Trump said the decision follows a comprehensive review ordered under Executive Order 14199, issued on February 4, 2025, which tasked the Secretary of State, in consultation with the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, with assessing U.S. involvement in all international intergovernmental organisations and treaties receiving U.S. support. “I have considered the Secretary of State’s report and, after deliberating with my Cabinet, 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 in section 2 of this memorandum,” the president stated.

The directive orders all executive departments and agencies to take “immediate steps” to effectuate the withdrawal of the United States from the named organisations “as soon as possible.” For United Nations entities, withdrawal is defined as ceasing participation in or funding to those bodies to the extent permitted by law. Trump added that his review of further findings from the Secretary of State “remains ongoing.”

The organisations targeted include 35 non-United Nations entities, among them the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the International Renewable Energy Agency, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Global Counterterrorism Forum, and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. The list also covers more than 30 UN-related bodies, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, UN Women, the UN Population Fund, the UN Conference on Trade and Development, multiple Economic and Social Council regional commissions, and the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.

Policy analysts say the withdrawals are likely to sharply reduce U.S. influence in multilateral forums where global standards on climate, development, security, and human rights are negotiated, potentially leaving a vacuum to be filled by rival powers. The move could also disrupt international cooperation on issues such as climate policy, gender equality, and post-conflict peacebuilding, while prompting diplomatic friction with allies that remain committed to those institutions. At home, the decision may generate legal and budgetary challenges where U.S. participation is tied to statute or long-standing treaty obligations.

The memorandum authorises the Secretary of State to issue further implementation guidance and directs that it be published in the Federal Register. It also states that it creates no enforceable legal rights and must be implemented consistent with applicable law and available appropriations. The memorandum was signed by President Donald J. Trump.

Refer here for the Memorandum