By DAYO ADESULU
The United States has announced one of the most far-reaching retreats from global multilateral institutions in modern history, as President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum ordering America’s withdrawal from 66 international organisations, including 31 bodies linked to the United Nations.
The sweeping directive, released on January 8, 2026, underscores President Trump’s renewed “America First” foreign policy doctrine, signalling a sharp recalibration of U.S. global engagement, funding priorities, and international commitments.
According to the White House, the decision followed months of internal reviews and high-level consultations across the U.S. government.
Why the U.S. Is Pulling Out of Global Institutions
The presidential order stems from a comprehensive review conducted under Executive Order 14199, signed on February 4, 2025. That executive order mandated the Secretary of State to assess all international intergovernmental organisations, treaties, and conventions that receive American funding or political support.
After submitting findings to the president, the Secretary of State’s recommendations were examined by President Trump and members of his Cabinet before a final determination was reached.
In the memorandum titled “Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies,” Trump made his position unambiguous.
“After deliberating with my Cabinet, I have determined that it is contrary to the interests of the United States to remain a member of, participate in, or otherwise provide support to the organisations listed,” the president stated.
The White House argued that continued participation in the affected bodies no longer aligns with U.S. strategic, economic, or sovereignty interests.
Immediate Steps Ordered for Withdrawal
Under the directive, all executive departments and federal agencies have been instructed to take immediate steps to effect withdrawals as soon as legally permissible.
For United Nations-affiliated bodies, the order directs the U.S. to cease participation or funding to the fullest extent allowed under existing laws and international agreements. However, the memorandum clarifies that it does not override statutory obligations or budgetary controls already approved by Congress.
The State Department has been empowered to issue additional guidance to agencies as implementation unfolds.
Non-UN Organisations Affected
The withdrawal covers 35 non-United Nations organisations, spanning climate policy, energy, environmental conservation, democracy promotion, cybersecurity, and regional cooperation.
High-profile organisations on the list include:
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Freedom Online Coalition
Global Counterterrorism Forum
Several security and regional bodies are also affected, including the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, and the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe.
Observers note that many of these organisations have historically shaped global climate action, environmental policy, and governance norms — areas where the Trump administration has often expressed scepticism.
31 United Nations Bodies on the Exit List
More strikingly, the U.S. has ordered withdrawal from or cessation of support for 31 UN entities, cutting across development, gender equality, climate action, trade, human rights, and peacebuilding.
Among them are:
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
UN Women
UN Population Fund (UNFPA)
UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Peacebuilding Fund and Peacebuilding Commission
Other affected bodies include UN Water, UN Oceans, the International Law Commission, the UN Democracy Fund, and the UN University system.
The directive also targets UN offices focused on vulnerable populations, including children in armed conflict and victims of sexual violence, raising concerns among humanitarian and rights groups.
A Review Still Ongoing
Despite the scale of the announcement, President Trump signalled that the process is far from over.
“My review of further findings of the Secretary of State remains ongoing,” the president wrote.
This language suggests that additional international organisations or treaties could face similar action in the coming months, deepening uncertainty around America’s future role in global governance.
What This Means for Global Diplomacy
Analysts describe the move as one of the most aggressive pullbacks from multilateralism ever undertaken by a U.S. administration. Supporters argue it will reduce costs, protect national sovereignty, and free Washington from institutions they believe undermine American interests.
Critics, however, warn that the U.S. withdrawal from international organisations could weaken global cooperation on climate change, security, humanitarian crises, and economic development — while ceding influence to rival powers.
The memorandum is set to be published in the Federal Register, formalising its implementation across government agencies.
As the world reacts, one thing is clear: the decision marks a defining moment in U.S. foreign policy, with consequences likely to ripple across international diplomacy for years to come.
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