Trump order US withdrawal from international organisations
President Donald Trump has ordered the United States to withdraw from more than 60 international organisations, including several United Nations bodies and the India-France-led International Solar Alliance (ISA), in a sweeping move that marks a sharp escalation in his administration’s “America First” foreign policy approach.
Trump signed a memorandum on Wednesday directing the US Government to exit 66 international institutions that he said no longer align with American interests. The directive covers 31 UN entities and 35 non-UN organisations that, according to the White House, operate in ways that undermine US sovereignty, security, or economic priorities.
Following the signing, Trump said continued membership or financial support for these bodies was “contrary” to US interests. He instructed all federal departments and agencies to immediately begin the withdrawal process. For UN-related organisations, this includes halting participation and funding
to the extent allowed under US law.
Among the organisations affected is the International Solar Alliance, a global climate initiative launched by India and France that has more than 100 signatory countries. Other bodies listed include the InterGovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), UN Women, the UN Population Fund, and the UN Conference on Trade and Development.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the decision, describing the institutions as redundant, inefficient, ideologically driven, or hostile to US interests. He said many had evolved into instruments of “global governance” detached from national priorities, adding that US taxpayers would no longer finance organisations that, in the administration’s view, work against American values or sovereignty.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz echoed the position, stating that Washington would no longer engage with international bodies that fail to serve US interests or actively oppose them.
The United Nations confirmed it was reviewing the list and said an official response would be issued. The move follows a series of confrontations between Trump and multilateral institutions during his second term, including renewed withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement and the suspension of US engagement with the UN Human Rights Council.
Trump has long criticised the UN, accusing it of inefficiency and ineffectiveness. In a speech to world leaders last year, he questioned the organisation’s relevance, saying it relied on “empty words” rather than decisive action.
The latest withdrawals are expected to have significant implications for global climate efforts, development funding, and multilateral cooperation, particularly in areas where US financial and diplomatic support has historically played a central role.
