US President Donald Trump has ordered the United States to leave dozens of international organisations. Many of the affected groups focus on climate change and environmental protection. Almost half of the 66 organisations belong to the United Nations system. The list includes the Framework Convention on Climate Change, which underpins global climate cooperation.
The decision also impacts organisations working on development, gender equality, and conflict prevention. The administration has repeatedly criticised these areas as ideological or globalist. The White House said the organisations no longer serve American interests and promote ineffective or hostile agendas.
White House Says Withdrawals Protect National Interests
Trump signed the withdrawal memorandum on Wednesday following an internal review. The White House described the organisations as a waste of taxpayer money. Officials said the move would end US funding and participation in groups that prioritise global agendas over national priorities.
The administration added that many organisations advance radical climate policies. It said international governance efforts weaken US sovereignty and economic strength.
Climate Science Community Faces Disruption
The United States has also withdrawn from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The panel produces the world’s most authoritative climate science reports. Governments rely on its assessments to track rising global temperatures.
Sources inside the panel warned that the withdrawal could disrupt ongoing research. They said reduced US involvement threatens contributions from American scientists. The administration has already blocked US researchers from attending a meeting in China.
Restrictions on participation could delay upcoming reports. The mitigation report, a key guide for governments, faces a serious risk of postponement.
Energy, Democracy, and Security Groups Lose US Backing
The withdrawal extends beyond UN-linked organisations. Several non-UN international bodies have also lost US membership. These groups focus on clean energy cooperation and democratic governance. They include the International Solar Alliance and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum.
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance also appears on the list. Trump has previously cut funding from multilateral organisations he opposes. He has repeatedly rejected the scientific consensus on human-caused climate change.
Legal Uncertainty Surrounds Withdrawal
The United States must wait one year to fully exit the climate convention. In practice, the country reduced active participation years ago. Campaigners are now urging legal challenges in US courts.
The US constitution explains how presidents join treaties. It does not outline how withdrawals should occur. Legal experts say this creates uncertainty for future administrations.
Global Leaders Criticise US Retreat
The decision follows a second withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement last year. The administration also declined to send a delegation to the COP30 climate summit in Brazil. The United States has already exited the World Health Organization and several other UN bodies.
European leaders criticised the move and warned it would weaken global cooperation. EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra called the decision regrettable. EU vice-president Teresa Ribera said the administration ignored environmental and human concerns.
A representative from the Union of Concerned Scientists described the step as a new low. Policy director Rachel Cleetus said the administration continues to undermine global stability and public wellbeing.
