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By Open Chronicle News Desk with Agencies | January 8, 2026
Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States will withdraw from 66 international organizations, marking one of the most far-reaching retrenchments from global institutions in modern American history. The move includes departures from major United Nations bodies, climate frameworks, and international cooperation forums, with the White House arguing that the organizations no longer serve U.S. national interests.
The decision covers 35 non-United Nations organizations and 31 UN-affiliated entities. Among the most consequential withdrawals is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the foundational treaty underpinning global climate negotiations and the parent agreement to the 2015 Paris climate accord. The United States would become the first country to leave the UNFCCC since its creation in 1992.
Environmental and diplomatic groups warned that the move could significantly weaken global efforts to address climate change. Manish Bapna, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, said the decision strips Washington of influence over policies shaping future energy markets and economic transitions, arguing that participation is not only a moral responsibility but also a strategic necessity.
🚨Alert: President Trump just signed a memo, the US is withdrawing from 66 international organisations (31 UN + 35 non-UN) that reportedly no longer serve American interests! pic.twitter.com/uhUr9LDpap
— US Homeland Security News (@defense_civil25) January 7, 2026
The administration also confirmed it would exit UN Women and the United Nations Population Fund, both of which focus on gender equality, reproductive health, and maternal care in more than 150 countries. U.S. funding for UNFPA had already been reduced sharply last year, and the new directive formalizes a full withdrawal.
A White House memo stated that withdrawal from UN entities would mean ending participation and funding to the extent permitted by U.S. law. Voluntary contributions to most UN agencies have already been largely eliminated during Trump’s second term. A spokesperson for UN Secretary General António Guterres declined to comment immediately.
The announcement reflects President Trump’s long-standing skepticism toward multilateral institutions. He has repeatedly criticized the United Nations and related bodies as inefficient, unaccountable, and biased against American sovereignty and economic interests. Since returning to the office, Trump has already halted engagement with the UN Human Rights Council, extended a freeze on funding to the Palestinian relief agency UNRWA, and renewed plans to leave the World Health Organization, UNESCO, and the Paris climate agreement.
The White House described the latest withdrawals as part of a comprehensive review of international treaties and intergovernmental organizations. In a statement, it said the targeted entities promote what it called radical climate policies, global governance structures, and ideological agendas that conflict with U.S. priorities.
“These withdrawals will end American taxpayer funding and involvement in entities that advance globalist agendas over U.S. priorities,” the statement said, adding that U.S. resources would be redirected toward missions Washington deems more effective.
The list of organizations affected spans a wide range of policy areas, including climate science, biodiversity, renewable energy, cultural preservation, trade, democracy promotion, cybersecurity, and conflict prevention. Several UN economic commissions, peacebuilding bodies, and offices addressing children in armed conflict and sexual violence were also included.
Diplomats and analysts say the scale of the withdrawals could further isolate the United States at a time of heightened geopolitical competition, particularly as China and Russia expand their influence within international institutions. Critics argue that walking away cedes leadership to rivals, while supporters of the move say it restores control over U.S. policy and spending.
The administration has not provided a detailed timeline for the withdrawals, though officials said they would proceed as quickly as legal and procedural requirements allow. For now, the announcement signals a decisive turn away from multilateral engagement and toward a more unilateral vision of American foreign policy.