Trump Announces U.S. Withdrawal from U.N. Agencies

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States will withdraw from dozens of international and United Nations–affiliated organizations, arguing that they operate against U.S. national interests. The decision includes pulling out of major climate and social policy institutions.

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Exit from Key Climate Treaty

Among the organizations listed in a memo sent to senior administration officials are 35 non-U.N. groups and 31 U.N. entities. One of the most significant is the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), widely regarded as the foundation of global climate governance and the parent treaty of the 2015 Paris Agreement.

The United States did not attend last year’s U.N. global climate summit, marking the first absence in nearly 30 years.

Manish Bapna, president and CEO of the Natural Resources Defense Council, said the U.S. would become the first country to leave the UNFCCC. He noted that while climate action carries moral importance, participation also allows countries to influence major economic and policy decisions.

Withdrawal from Gender and Population Agencies

The U.S. will also leave UN Women, the U.N. agency focused on gender equality and women’s empowerment, as well as the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA), which supports family planning and maternal and child health programs in more than 150 countries. U.S. funding for UNFPA had already been reduced last year.

According to the memo, withdrawal from U.N. entities means ending U.S. participation or funding where legally possible. Trump has already sharply cut voluntary contributions to many U.N. agencies.

Longstanding Skepticism of Multilateral Institutions

Trump’s decision aligns with his long-held skepticism toward multilateral organizations, particularly the United Nations. He has frequently criticized international institutions for high costs, limited accountability, and what he sees as poor returns for U.S. interests.

Since beginning his second term a year ago, Trump has reduced U.S. engagement with several global bodies, including the U.N. Human Rights Council, UNRWA, and UNESCO. He has also announced intentions to withdraw from the World Health Organization and the Paris climate agreement.

Additional Organizations Targeted

Other entities listed for withdrawal include the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development, the International Energy Forum, the U.N. Register of Conventional Arms, and the U.N. Peacebuilding Commission.

White House Justification

The White House said the organizations targeted promote what it described as “radical climate policies, global governance, and ideological programs” that conflict with U.S. sovereignty and economic priorities.

Officials said the move is part of a broader review of all international agreements and organizations involving the United States, with the goal of redirecting taxpayer funds toward initiatives that better align with national interests and operate more effectively.