US President Donald Trump has directed the United States to exit dozens of international organisations. Many of these bodies focus on climate policy and environmental protection. Almost half of the 66 organisations operate within the United Nations system. The list includes the Framework Convention on Climate Change, which forms the basis of global climate cooperation.
The decision also affects organisations working on development, gender equality, and conflict prevention. The administration has frequently criticised these areas as ideological or globalist. The White House said the organisations no longer serve American interests and promote ineffective agendas.
Administration Says Global Groups No Longer Benefit the US
Trump signed the withdrawal memorandum on Wednesday after an internal review. The White House described the organisations as a misuse of taxpayer funds. Officials said the move would end US funding and participation in groups that conflict with national priorities.
The administration said many organisations advance radical climate policies. It added that international governance efforts weaken US sovereignty and economic strength.
Climate Research Community Braces for Fallout
The United States has also withdrawn from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The panel delivers the world’s most influential climate science assessments. Governments use its findings to evaluate rising global temperatures.
Sources within the panel warned of serious disruption to future research. They said reduced US involvement threatens scientific collaboration. The administration has already blocked American scientists from attending a meeting in China.
Limits on travel and participation could delay upcoming assessments. The mitigation report faces a heightened risk of delay.
Energy and Security Partnerships Lose US Backing
The withdrawal extends beyond UN-linked organisations. Several non-UN international groups have also lost US involvement. These bodies 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 stripped funding from multilateral organisations he opposes. He has repeatedly dismissed the scientific consensus on human-caused climate change.
Legal Path Forward Remains Unclear
The United States must wait one year to fully leave the climate convention. In reality, the country reduced active participation long ago. Campaigners are now calling for legal challenges in US courts.
The US constitution outlines how presidents approve treaties. It does not explain how withdrawals should occur. Legal experts say this leaves future reversals uncertain.
Allies Warn of Damage to Global Cooperation
The move follows a second withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement last year. The administration also declined to send a delegation to the COP30 summit in Brazil. The United States has already exited the World Health Organization and other UN agencies.
European leaders criticised the decision and warned of weaker cooperation. EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra called the move regrettable. EU vice-president Teresa Ribera said the administration ignored environmental and human costs.
A member of 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.
